In Côte d’Ivoire, the debate over electoral governance reform has intensified following the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). On May 14, 2026, the Platform of 37 Organizations, NGOs, Associations, and Ivorian Civil Society Movements (PEC-CI) held a press conference in Abidjan to outline its concerns and propose solutions to the ongoing political and institutional challenges.

During the event, PEC-CI President Ebrin Yao Rémi urged authorities to initiate direct and inclusive political dialogue with key opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam. The platform emphasized that such engagement is essential to ease political tensions and foster a collaborative framework for organizing credible elections.

The civil society coalition stressed that Côte d’Ivoire’s stability hinges on the ability of political actors to engage in open and constructive dialogue. In a statement, PEC-CI highlighted the need to prioritize the public interest amid persistent disagreements over election management.

Proposals for a new electoral body

PEC-CI has put forward a comprehensive proposal to overhaul the electoral system. The platform advocates for the creation of a new institution solely composed of civil society representatives, explicitly excluding direct participation from political parties. This new body would be formed through an open call for applications, ensuring the selection of competent, independent, and transparent members.

The proposed institution would also operate with a dedicated budget, approved by the National Assembly, to enhance its financial and institutional autonomy. PEC-CI justified these recommendations by citing past electoral processes marred by violence, contested results, and tragic loss of life, which, in its view, exposed the flaws of the current system.

While acknowledging that the former CEI emerged from political compromises, the platform criticized its dissolution without prior consultation with opposition groups and civil society leaders. PEC-CI warned that this lack of consensus-building could further destabilize the political climate ahead of upcoming elections.

Call for consensus and reform

In its closing remarks, PEC-CI reiterated the urgent need for a profound and consensual reform of Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral framework. The platform believes such reforms are critical to rebuilding trust between institutions, political actors, and citizens, ensuring a transparent and peaceful electoral process.