After the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the debate over electoral governance reform in Côte d’Ivoire has intensified. On May 14, 2026, the Platform of 37 Organizations (PEC-CI), a coalition of Ivorian civil society groups, outlined its concerns and proposals during a press briefing in Abidjan.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its president, Ebrin Yao Rémi, called for direct and inclusive political dialogue with key opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam. Such engagement, he argued, is essential to ease political tensions and foster consensus on a fair electoral framework. The PEC-CI stressed that the nation’s stability hinges on the ability of political actors to engage in open discussions centered on the common good.

Radical overhaul of the electoral body proposed

The civil society platform has put forward a comprehensive proposal to reshape the electoral system. It advocates for a total restructuring of the institution responsible for organizing elections, suggesting it be exclusively managed by civil society actors, with no direct involvement from political parties. This new body would be formed through a transparent call for applications, ensuring that only qualified, independent, and accountable individuals are selected.

The PEC-CI also recommends granting this future entity an autonomous budget, approved by the National Assembly, to bolster its financial and institutional independence. This proposal comes amid growing distrust between political actors and electoral institutions. The coalition points to past electoral processes, marred by violence, contested results, and tragic losses of life, as evidence of the current system’s shortcomings.

While acknowledging that the former CEI was the result of political compromises, the PEC-CI criticizes its dissolution without prior consultation with the opposition and civil society leaders. Such a lack of dialogue, they warn, could further destabilize the political climate ahead of upcoming elections.

Restoring trust through reform

In closing, the coalition emphasizes that a deep and consensual reform of Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral system is not just desirable but necessary. They argue that without such changes, restoring trust between institutions, political actors, and citizens will remain an uphill battle.