Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral future hinges on inclusive reform talks, says 2PFJ

In a bold call for national healing, the Panafrican Platform for Women and Youth for Peace, Democracy and Governance (2PFJ) has urged Ivorian authorities to launch a participatory and inclusive political dialogue to reshape the country’s electoral framework. The plea comes as the government seeks to rebuild trust in a system still scarred by past conflicts.

Why a new electoral governance model matters

The 2PFJ stresses that any electoral reform must go beyond procedural adjustments. It argues that the future electoral management body must emerge from a genuine national consensus, ensuring credibility across political divides. The platform warns that superficial reforms risk perpetuating the very divisions that have destabilized the country in recent years.

According to Jean-Martial N’Guessan, chair of the 2PFJ’s board, a credible election system begins with a comprehensive diagnosis of Côte d’Ivoire’s socio-political climate. He notes that past electoral crises have left deep wounds, requiring more than technical fixes—they demand a republican dialogue that includes all stakeholders.

Key demands for sustainable electoral reform

The 2PFJ’s proposals center on three pillars:

• Inclusive negotiation framework: Establish parity-based technical commissions involving the government, opposition parties, and civil society to define the competencies, financial autonomy, and independence of proposed electoral bodies.
• Confidence-building measures: Push for the release of individuals detained over politically motivated cases and the safe return of exiles to create a conducive environment for dialogue.
• Gender and youth representation: Ensure meaningful inclusion of women’s and youth organizations in electoral oversight bodies to foster a citizen-led watchdog system.

A historic opportunity for unity

The platform acknowledges Côte d’Ivoire’s turbulent electoral history but underscores the nation’s resilience. It frames the current reform push as a chance to rebuild trust and unite citizens around a shared vision: a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Ivorian democracy.

Earlier this summer, the government convened a high-level meeting on June 22, 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. Described as an enhanced information session, the gathering brought together political parties and civil society to explore electoral system reforms and sustainable solutions.