Ivory Coast’s government has announced the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) following sustained criticism from opposition parties over its credibility and role in managing elections.
Communications Minister Amadou Coulibaly disclosed the decision on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting, saying it followed “reservations expressed about this institution as well as the criticism it has faced. He said the reform is intended to establish a new electoral management system, but did not provide details on what structure would replace the commission.
“At this stage, I cannot say what the new mechanism will be. It will be discussed and set up at the government level”, Coulibaly stated.
He explained that the objective is to restore public confidence in the electoral process and ensure more transparent and peaceful elections. “The goal is to sustainably organise peaceful elections by strengthening trust and reassuring all Ivorians and the political class”, he added.
Opposition parties have repeatedly accused the CEI of lacking independence, alleging that its membership has been dominated by figures aligned with the ruling coalition. These concerns have often fuelled disputes over electoral credibility.
Ivory Coast’s most recent presidential election was held in October, in which President Alassane Ouattara secured a fourth term with nearly 90 percent of the vote. The poll was widely criticised by opposition and civil society groups, particularly over the exclusion of several prominent opposition figures, which they said undermined the fairness and inclusiveness of the process.
