On the eve of Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, the President of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), Coulibaly-Kuibiert Ibrahime, delivered a solemn address to the nation on Friday, October 24, urging Ivorian voters to fulfill their civic duty in an atmosphere of calm, discipline, and confidence.

In his statement, the CEI President praised the “spirit of openness, tolerance, and mutual respect” that characterized the electoral campaign, despite a few isolated incidents. “I wish to commend and congratulate all actors for the responsible conduct of the campaign,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the peaceful democratic momentum just hours before a decisive national event.

For this election, 25,678 polling stations will be open across the national territory and abroad. In Côte d’Ivoire, 8,607,253 voters are registered on the electoral roll, while 120,178 Ivorians from the diaspora will cast their ballots in 308 polling stations located within diplomatic and consular missions. Polling stations will open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., in accordance with the decree convening the electorate.

The CEI President reassured citizens of the measures taken to ensure a peaceful and credible election. He emphasized that defense and security forces have been deployed to guarantee the serenity of the vote and the safety of voters. “Your role is crucial in preventing unrest, restoring public order, and ensuring that citizens vote with confidence,” he declared, addressing the forces involved in Operation Espérance.

He also urged electoral staff to demonstrate rigor and professionalism. “Rise to the call of the nation, for you are the first link in the chain. The initial provisional results are announced through your work,” he reminded them, underscoring the importance of transparency and reliability in the process.

Addressing voters directly, Coulibaly-Kuibiert launched a strong appeal for massive participation: “The election is a civic and popular event. I call on all registered voters to go out in large numbers and make their choice peacefully.”

He further reminded citizens that voters who have not yet collected their voter cards may do so at their polling station on election day. Information about polling locations remains available on the CEI website and through the USSD codes *919# or #919#.

The CEI President also called on all stakeholders—including polling station members, candidate representatives, local commissions, technical agents, and supervisory commissioners—to act with neutrality and responsibility. “Your role is essential in preserving the nation’s trust in what we are accomplishing,” he emphasized.

Finally, he reaffirmed the CEI’s determination to conduct this election “with fairness, impartiality, and transparency,” concluding with confidence:
“I have no doubt that the October 25, 2025 election will further strengthen our democratic achievements. May the best candidate win. Long live Côte d’Ivoire!”