Côte d’Ivoire is undertaking a major reform of its electoral system. Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé has unveiled a new electoral governance framework aimed at improving transparency, preventing post-election crises, and restoring public confidence in the democratic process.
Speaking during a meeting with political parties and civil society organizations, the Prime Minister presented a new structure based on three separate bodies. The first will be responsible for the logistical organization of elections, the second for voter registration and vote tabulation, while the third will oversee and monitor the entire electoral process.
According to Robert Beugré Mambé, this division of responsibilities is intended to reduce recurring disputes and ensure greater transparency during electoral contests.
"We want every voter to be convinced that their vote counts, that the defeated candidate understands the reasons for their loss, and that the winner is recognized as legitimate,” he said.
The new framework, which is expected to be formalized through a bill to be submitted to the Council of Ministers, will replace the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). Established in 2001 as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s democratic process, the institution was dissolved on May 6.
The government has justified the decision by citing longstanding criticism of the CEI, particularly regarding its impartiality and credibility in managing elections.
In a country where several elections have been accompanied by violence since the early 2000s, authorities hope the reform will help ease political tensions and strengthen national cohesion.
"We want elections to stop being moments of fear and become moments of choice,” the Prime Minister concluded, emphasizing that the reform is designed to reinforce lasting peace, democracy, and political stability in Côte d’Ivoire.