The debate over electoral governance reform in Côte d’Ivoire has intensified following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). On May 14, 2026, the Platform of 37 Organizations, a coalition of Ivorian civil society groups (PEC-CI), unveiled its concerns and proposals during a press briefing in Abidjan.
In a bold statement, PEC-CI President Ebrin Yao Rémi urged authorities to initiate direct and inclusive political dialogue with key opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam. The coalition emphasized that such engagement is vital to ease political tensions and foster consensus on a fair electoral framework.
The civil society platform stressed that Ivorian stability hinges on the ability of political stakeholders to engage in open, transparent discussions. With persistent disagreements over election organization, PEC-CI advocates prioritizing the public interest above partisan divides.
Proposals for a fully revamped electoral system
PEC-CI’s most radical proposal calls for a complete restructuring of the electoral body. The coalition recommends entrusting election management exclusively to civil society, excluding direct participation from political parties. The envisioned institution would operate under a transparent selection process, with members chosen through an open call for applications to ensure competence, independence, and impartiality.
The platform also advocates for a dedicated, self-governing budget approved by the National Assembly. This financial autonomy, PEC-CI argues, would shield the new body from political interference and enhance its credibility. The proposal follows widespread criticism of the CEI’s performance, citing past elections marred by violence, contested results, and tragic loss of life—failures the coalition attributes to the current model’s inherent flaws.
While acknowledging the CEI’s origins as a political compromise, PEC-CI laments its dissolution without prior consultation with opposition leaders or civil society stakeholders. Such unilateral action, the platform warns, risks further destabilizing Côte d’Ivoire’s political climate ahead of upcoming polls.
A call for consensus-driven reform
In closing, PEC-CI underscores the urgent need for a sweeping, consensus-based electoral reform in Côte d’Ivoire. The coalition views this overhaul as essential to rebuilding trust between institutions, political actors, and citizens.
