The future of electoral governance in Côte d’Ivoire remains a hot-button issue following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). On May 14, 2026, the Platform of 37 Ivorian civil society organizations, NGOs, associations, and movements (PEC-CI) held a press conference in Abidjan to voice its concerns and propose solutions.

Led by President Ebrin Yao Rémi, PEC-CI has called on authorities to initiate direct and inclusive political dialogue with key opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam. The platform argues that such a move is critical to easing political tensions and fostering a collaborative environment for building a consensus-driven electoral framework.

PEC-CI stressed that the country’s stability hinges on the ability of political forces to engage in honest dialogue. It emphasized the need to prioritize “the common good” amid persistent disagreements over election management.

Comprehensive electoral reform proposed

Institutional changes are at the heart of PEC-CI’s recommendations. The platform advocates for a complete overhaul of the electoral system, proposing that the new electoral body be solely composed of civil society members, excluding direct participation by political parties. This new institution, according to PEC-CI, should be formed through an open call for candidates, ensuring the selection of competent, independent, and transparent individuals.

The platform also recommends that the future entity be granted an autonomous budget, approved by the National Assembly, to strengthen its financial and institutional independence. This proposal comes amid growing mistrust between political actors and electoral institutions. PEC-CI justifies its stance by criticizing the performance of the dissolved CEI, citing past elections marred by violence, contested results, and loss of life as evidence of systemic flaws in the existing model.

While acknowledging that the former CEI was the result of political compromises, the platform regrets that its dissolution was decided without prior consultation with opposition groups and key civil society actors. PEC-CI warns that this lack of consultation could further destabilize the political climate ahead of upcoming elections.

Path to consensus

In closing, PEC-CI calls for a fundamental and consensual reform of Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral system, a move it deems essential for restoring trust between institutions, political actors, and citizens.