Côte d’Ivoire has dissolved its Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) following longstanding criticism over the body’s management of elections and concerns about its independence. Government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly announced on Wednesday that the decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting.
Speaking at a news conference, Coulibaly said the move was aimed at creating a new election management framework and rebuilding public trust in the electoral process to ensure “peaceful polls.” He noted that the government would begin discussions on the structure that would replace the CEI.
The CEI, established in October 2001 after the end of military rule, has supervised all elections in Côte d’Ivoire since its inception.
The development follows years of criticism from opposition parties, which have frequently accused the commission of being too closely aligned with the ruling coalition — allegations the government has consistently denied.
Alassane Ouattara secured a fourth term in the country’s October 2025 presidential election, with nearly 90% of the vote.