Ivorian political alliance commends government’s electoral reform initiative

In Abidjan, a significant political coalition, comprising the Alliance of Ivorians for Democracy (AID) and the Union of Popular Masses for Peace (UMPP), recently lauded the government’s initiative to reform electoral governance. This crucial move, they contend, demonstrates a clear responsiveness to concerns voiced by political figures and civil society organizations across Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking through their spokesperson, Zadi Djédjé, the alliance conveyed profound satisfaction following an informational gathering held on June 22 at the Prime Minister’s Office. This crucial meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, focused explicitly on restructuring the national electoral body.

The AID-UMPP highlighted that the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), whose members’ mandates had concluded, coupled with the unveiling of a fresh electoral governance structure, directly addresses demands persistently raised over many years by political parties and various civil society groups.

This significant reform, the coalition believes, ushers in “a new chapter” for electoral organization within Côte d’Ivoire. Its primary objectives include bolstering the transparency of the electoral process, rebuilding trust among political stakeholders, and proactively averting pre- and post-election crises.

While acknowledging the achievements of the defunct CEI, the group expressed strong approval for the government’s commitment to establishing a new framework. This innovative system will feature three distinct bodies, each responsible for a specific aspect: the logistical organization of elections, the tabulation of votes, and the comprehensive oversight of the entire electoral process.

According to the AID-UMPP, the foundational principles of this reform — professionalization, neutrality, transparency, and efficiency — are poised to sustainably reinforce institutional stability and significantly enhance the credibility of future polls in Côte d’Ivoire.

Furthermore, the coalition extended an invitation to all electoral stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and community leaders, urging them to support the implementation of this reform. They emphasized the importance of approaching this endeavor with a spirit of responsibility, patriotism, and constructive dialogue.

While strongly encouraging the government to persist in its pursuit of national stability and cohesion, the AID-UMPP also appealed to political actors to place their trust in the Republic’s institutions. They affirmed that upholding institutional integrity remains a critical element for solidifying democracy and safeguarding peace throughout Côte d’Ivoire.