Ivorian civil society is intensifying calls for a sweeping reform of the country’s electoral governance following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). The Platform of 37 Organizations, a coalition of NGOs, associations, and civil society movements, outlined its concerns and proposals during a press conference in Abidjan on May 14, 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ebrin Yao Rémi urged authorities to initiate a direct and inclusive political dialogue with key opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam. The Platform argues that such engagement is critical to easing political tensions and fostering a collaborative environment for shaping a consensus-driven electoral framework.

The coalition emphasized that national stability hinges on the ability of political stakeholders to engage in honest dialogue, particularly amid ongoing disputes over election organization. It highlighted the need to prioritize the greater good in a climate where electoral processes remain contentious.

In a bold institutional proposal, the Platform advocates for a complete overhaul of the electoral system. It recommends transferring full responsibility for organizing elections to civil society, explicitly excluding direct participation by political parties. Under this model, the new body would be formed through an open call for applications, ensuring the selection of qualified, independent, and transparent members.

The coalition further proposes that the new institution be granted autonomous funding, approved by the National Assembly, to bolster its financial and institutional independence. This demand comes amid rising distrust between political actors and electoral institutions. The Platform critiques the CEI’s past performance, pointing to recurring issues such as election-related violence, contested results, and loss of life—clear indicators, in its view, of the current system’s inadequacies.

While acknowledging that the former CEI resulted from political compromises, the coalition criticizes its dissolution as having occurred without prior consultation with opposition leaders and key civil society figures. Such a lack of consensus-building, it warns, risks further destabilizing the political climate ahead of upcoming elections.

Proposals for a transparent and inclusive electoral process

The Platform’s demands center on a deep and consensual reform of Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral system, a move it deems essential for rebuilding trust among institutions, political actors, and citizens. The coalition underscores that only through such reforms can the foundations for credible and peaceful elections be laid.