Côte d’Ivoire electoral reform calls for broad political dialogue

The Plateforme panafricaine des femmes et des jeunes pour la paix, la démocratie et la gouvernance (2PFJ) has urged Côte d’Ivoire to launch an inclusive, participatory, and constructive political dialogue to advance sustainable electoral reforms. This appeal comes in a formal statement issued on July 21, 2026, emphasizing the need for national healing and democratic resilience.

The 2PFJ stresses the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of the socio-political climate, which remains scarred by past crises. In its view, electoral governance reform is not a routine administrative task but a foundational pillar for the Republic and its democratic future. The organization rejects superficial consultations and advocates for a genuine negotiation framework that engages all key stakeholders in the nation.

Consensus-driven electoral institutions

The platform proposes the establishment of joint technical commissions, bringing together the government, opposition parties, and civil society. These bodies would be tasked with defining the mandates, financial autonomy, and independence of the proposed new electoral bodies—or any alternative institutional structure under consideration. The goal is to ensure that these institutions command broad trust and legitimacy across the political spectrum.

Building trust through concrete actions

To create an enabling environment for dialogue, the 2PFJ calls for urgent measures, including the release of individuals detained for politically motivated reasons and the safe return of exiles. It also demands meaningful representation of women and youth organizations in the future electoral governance bodies, fostering an inclusive and peaceful civic oversight role.

The platform acknowledges the deep wounds inflicted by past electoral conflicts on the Ivorian people. Yet, it highlights the nation’s historic capacity to overcome divisions when national unity is prioritized. Electoral reform, in this context, is seen not just as a technical process but as an opportunity to unite citizens around a shared vision: a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Côte d’Ivoire.

The declaration follows a major government-led workshop held on June 22, 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. This session, described as an expanded information meeting, convened political parties and civil society organizations to explore pathways for sustainable electoral system reform.

Signed by Jean-Martial N’Guessan, Chair of the 2PFJ Board, the statement underscores that electoral reform is too critical to be left to political elites alone. It calls on all segments of society to contribute to shaping a democratic future that reflects the will of the people.