Côte d’Ivoire’s opposition parties and civil society groups have taken a significant step toward presenting a unified vision for electoral reform, submitting a joint proposal for a new election management body to the government amid ongoing discussions over the future of the country’s electoral system.
The proposal was formally presented on Monday to Interior and Security Minister General Vagondo Diomandé in Abidjan, reflecting a rare convergence among opposition groups that have often differed on political strategy and institutional reforms.
The initiative brings together several opposition platforms, including proponents of the proposed Haut Conseil Électoral (HCE), the Coalition pour l’Alternance Pacifique en Côte d’Ivoire (CAP-CI), and Aujourd’hui et Demain, la Côte d’Ivoire (ADCI).
Among the political figures involved are Charles Blé Goudé, leader of the Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples (COJEP), former Prime Ministerial candidate Pascal Affi N’Guessan, political actor Ahoua Don Mello, and parliamentarian Assalé Tiémoko.
Proposal Calls for Two-Tier Electoral Structure
At the core of the proposal is a two-tier institutional framework designed to separate the technical management of elections from political oversight.
Under the plan, a first body composed of electoral professionals and technical experts would be responsible for organizing and administering elections. A second body would serve as a monitoring and consultative mechanism, bringing together stakeholders to observe the electoral process and issue recommendations without directly managing electoral operations.
Supporters of the proposal argue that such a division of responsibilities would enhance the integrity of elections by reducing political influence over electoral administration and strengthening public confidence in the process.
The proposed framework places particular emphasis on independence, neutrality, impartiality, transparency and credibility. Opposition leaders say members of the technical body should be appointed through transparent procedures based on professional competence and clearly defined eligibility criteria.
Trust at the Heart of the Debate
For COJEP, the discussion extends beyond the institutional design of a future electoral authority.
Party spokesperson Me Serge Ouraga said the central challenge is restoring trust among political actors and citizens alike.
According to the party, the credibility and independence of the institution overseeing elections will be critical to preventing future disputes and ensuring broad acceptance of electoral outcomes.
The position echoes earlier remarks by Charles Blé Goudé, who has argued that Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral institutions have been central to previous political crises and that any new structure should be designed with lessons from past experiences in mind.
Unified Opposition Position
One of the most notable aspects of the initiative is the effort by opposition groups with differing political orientations to consolidate their views into a single reform proposal.
Rather than presenting separate recommendations, the participating organizations agreed on a common document, which they say represents a collective opposition contribution to the ongoing electoral reform process.
For Me Serge Ouraga, the move demonstrates that political diversity within the opposition does not preclude cooperation on key institutional issues affecting the country’s democratic framework.
Focus Turns to Political Dialogue
With the proposal now before the government, attention is shifting toward the next phase of consultations between authorities and political stakeholders.
Opposition leaders have called for dialogue to begin promptly, arguing that broad-based discussions are essential to building consensus around the structure and mandate of a future electoral institution.
The government has been engaging political actors as it considers options for a new electoral framework following the dissolution of the previous Independent Electoral Commission.
As a result, the national debate is increasingly focused not on whether electoral reform is necessary, but on what form a replacement institution should take and how it can secure the confidence of both political stakeholders and the wider public.
For COJEP and its allies, the answer lies in an electoral system founded on professional expertise, institutional independence and effective oversight.
The outcome of the forthcoming consultations is expected to determine the extent to which those principles shape the architecture of Côte d’Ivoire’s next electoral management body.
