In a bold move to reshape Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral landscape, civil society groups are demanding sweeping reforms to the country’s election oversight body. The call comes amid rising political tensions following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) in early May 2026.

The Platform of 37 Civil Society Organizations (PEC-CI) held a press conference in Abidjan to outline their proposals, emphasizing the urgent need for an inclusive political dialogue to rebuild trust between the government and opposition leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, President Ebrin Yao Rémi urged authorities to engage in direct negotiations with prominent opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam. The platform argues that such discussions are critical to preventing further political fragmentation and fostering a consensus-driven electoral framework.

At the heart of their demands is a call for a complete overhaul of the electoral system. The PEC-CI has proposed that the new election management body should be composed exclusively of civil society representatives, with no direct involvement from political parties. This new institution, they argue, should be formed through an open recruitment process to ensure transparency, independence, and professionalism among its members.

Additionally, the coalition advocates for a fully autonomous budget, approved by the National Assembly, to guarantee the new body’s financial independence. This proposal reflects growing skepticism about the CEI’s ability to conduct fair and credible elections, citing past controversies over disputed results, post-election violence, and allegations of bias.

The PEC-CI also criticized the dissolution of the CEI as a unilateral decision that lacked prior consultation with opposition figures and civil society leaders. They warn that this approach risks deepening political divisions ahead of upcoming elections, further destabilizing a nation still grappling with the scars of past electoral crises.

Key proposals from the PEC-CI:

• Exclusive civil society control over the new electoral body to ensure neutrality.
• Open and merit-based selection of commission members to prioritize competence and transparency.
• Independent financial governance with a dedicated budget to avoid political interference.
• Inclusive political dialogue to restore trust between all stakeholders.

The coalition stresses that these reforms are not just administrative but essential for restoring public confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic processes. Without meaningful change, they warn, the country risks repeating the mistakes of the past, where electoral disputes have often spiraled into broader social unrest.

As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on the government’s response. Will they heed the civil society’s call for reform, or will the standoff over electoral governance further strain the nation’s fragile political stability?