Electoral reform: political coalition lauds government’s willingness to listen in Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan, 30 June 2026 – The coalition Alliance of Ivorians for Democracy (AID) and the Union of Popular Masses for Peace (UMPP) welcomed on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 in Abidjan the government’s decision to initiate an electoral governance reform, stating it reflects a willingness to listen to concerns voiced by political actors and civil society organisations.

In a statement delivered by its spokesperson, Zadi Djédjé, the coalition expressed satisfaction following the information meeting held on 22 June at the Prime Minister’s office, chaired by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, which focused on reforming the electoral management body.

According to AID-UMPP, the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), whose members’ mandates had expired, along with the announcement of a new electoral governance architecture, constitutes a response to demands made for several years by political parties and various civil society groups.

The coalition believes this reform opens “a new chapter” in the organisation of elections in Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to enhance the transparency of the electoral process, rebuild trust among political stakeholders, and prevent pre- and post-electoral crises.

The coalition also acknowledged the achievements of the CEI while welcoming the government’s determination to establish a new system based on three distinct bodies, responsible respectively for the physical organisation of elections, the tallying of votes, and the overall supervision of the electoral process.

For AID-UMPP, this reform is grounded in principles of professionalisation, neutrality, transparency and efficiency, likely to sustainably consolidate institutional stability and strengthen the credibility of elections.

Furthermore, the coalition called on political parties, civil society organisations, community leaders and all electoral process actors to support the implementation of this reform in a spirit of responsibility, patriotism and dialogue.

While urging the government to continue its efforts for stability and national cohesion, AID-UMPP asked political actors to trust the Republic’s institutions, stressing that respect for institutions remains a key factor in consolidating democracy and preserving peace in Côte d’Ivoire.