The future of electoral governance in Côte d’Ivoire remains a heated topic following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). On May 14, 2026, the Platform of 37 Civil Society Organizations (PEC-CI) convened a press conference in Abidjan to present its concerns and proposals for reform.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its president, Ebrin Yao Rémi, urged authorities to initiate a direct and inclusive political dialogue with key opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam. The PEC-CI argues that such engagement is critical to easing political tensions and fostering consensus on a fair electoral framework.

The platform emphasized that national stability hinges on the ability of political actors to engage in open, constructive discussions. It stressed prioritizing the public interest in a climate where disputes over election management continue to escalate.

Proposals for a fully independent electoral body

The PEC-CI advocates for a complete overhaul of the electoral system, recommending that the new institution be entirely managed by civil society, with no direct involvement from political parties. This structure, according to the platform, should be built through an open call for qualified candidates to ensure competence, impartiality, and transparency.

The coalition also proposes that the new body operate with a self-governed budget, approved by the National Assembly, to bolster its financial and institutional independence. This demand comes at a time when trust in electoral institutions is eroding, with past elections marred by violence, disputed results, and tragic loss of life—issues the PEC-CI attributes to flaws in the current model.

While acknowledging that the former CEI was a product of political compromises, the platform criticized its dissolution as a move made without prior consultation with opposition leaders and civil society. Such a unilateral decision, they warn, risks further destabilizing the political environment ahead of upcoming elections.

Rebuilding trust through consensus

In closing, the PEC-CI called for a deep and inclusive electoral reform, a step it deems essential for restoring confidence between institutions, political actors, and citizens. The coalition insists that only through genuine dialogue and structural changes can Côte d’Ivoire achieve lasting stability.