Several Ivorian opposition parties are seeking to align their positions on the country’s future electoral governance, amid the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and preparations for a reform of the electoral system.

Representatives of several opposition parties met on Tuesday, September 1, in Abidjan at the headquarters of the African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), seeking to bring their proposals closer together and develop a common position on the future body responsible for organizing elections.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC), the Alliance of Democrats for Côte d’Ivoire (ADCI) and the Pan-African Congress for Justice and Equality of Peoples (COJEP), alongside members of the PPA-CI.

The initiative comes after the CEI was dissolved on May 6, 2026, paving the way for a restructuring of electoral governance in Côte d’Ivoire. For opposition parties, the reform is a major political issue, particularly because of longstanding criticism over the independence, composition and functioning of the electoral body.

The parties are seeking to avoid presenting separate demands and instead want to prepare a joint document that could be submitted to the government. Their objective is to advocate for an electoral system they consider more consensual, credible and independent.

The attempt at rapprochement comes as Côte d’Ivoire’s opposition remains divided on a number of political issues. Electoral governance, however, could provide common ground among parties with different political strategies and positions.

The government is also working on the creation of a new electoral framework. President Alassane Ouattara has outlined his vision for the future electoral body, including its role in organizing elections and managing the electoral register.

The reform follows the October 2025 presidential election, which was won by Ouattara, amid a political climate marked by the absence of several major opposition figures from the race.

For the opposition, the challenge is to influence the design of the new electoral system before key decisions are finalized. The parties are expected to address issues including the composition of the future electoral body, its powers, its operating procedures and safeguards intended to guarantee its independence.

The September 1 meeting does not yet represent a final agreement among the opposition parties. Consultations are continuing as they seek to develop a common platform that could serve as the basis for discussions with the government.

With future electoral contests approaching, the reform of electoral governance is likely to remain a central issue in Ivorian politics, with the credibility of the electoral process and the restoration of trust among political actors at the heart of the debate.