Côte d’Ivoire electoral reform praised by political alliance for democratic listening
Abidjan — The Alliance of Ivoirians for Democracy (AID) and the Union of Popular Masses for Peace (UMPP) have publicly commended the Ivorian government’s initiative to overhaul the electoral governance framework. This endorsement came during a press briefing held on June 30, 2026, in Abidjan, where coalition representatives highlighted the administration’s responsiveness to long-standing demands from political stakeholders and civil society organizations.
The joint statement, delivered by spokesperson Zadi Djédjé, followed a June 22 briefing at the Prime Minister’s Office, led by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. The session focused on restructuring the electoral body, which has faced persistent calls for modernization from opposition groups and advocacy groups alike.
The coalition emphasized that the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), whose term had expired, alongside the announcement of a restructured electoral governance model, marks a significant milestone in addressing years of electoral grievances. They described the move as a turning point that could redefine the integrity of future elections in Côte d’Ivoire.
The reform introduces a three-tier system, separating responsibilities into distinct bodies: one for logistical execution, another for vote tabulation, and a third for overall electoral oversight. This structure is designed to enhance professionalism, neutrality, and efficiency while reducing risks of pre- and post-election disputes.
The AID-UMPP coalition underscored that these changes are rooted in core democratic values—transparency, impartiality, and effectiveness—aimed at reinforcing institutional stability and restoring public confidence in the electoral process. They urged political parties, civil society leaders, and community representatives to collaborate in implementing the reforms with a sense of national duty and constructive dialogue.
In their statement, the coalition also urged the government to maintain its commitment to national unity and stability, stressing that trust in state institutions is fundamental to sustaining peace and democratic progress. They called on political actors to uphold the integrity of the Republic’s institutions, framing this as essential for long-term democratic resilience.
