Côte d’Ivoire: understanding the dissolution of the independent electoral commission

Le président ivoirien Alassane Ouattara, le 17 juin 2025. © Issouf SANOGO / AFP

The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), an entity frequently at the core of political tensions and a recurring point of disagreement between the executive branch and opposition parties, has now been dissolved. This significant announcement was made on May 6 by government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly. He affirmed that this move initiates “a new era,” with the principal aim of consistently ensuring the peaceful organization of elections in Côte d’Ivoire.