Ivory Coast’s government has dissolved the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) following sustained criticism of the body over its handling of elections, government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly said on Wednesday.

• The decision was approved by the government following repeated disputes over the commission’s independence and its handling of elections, Coulibaly told a news conference after a cabinet meeting.
• He said the move was intended to pave the way for a new election management system and help restore public confidence in the electoral process, with the aim of ensuring “peaceful polls”.
• Coulibaly said that discussions within the government would now decide what structure will replace the CEI.
• Ivory Coast last held a presidential election in October 2025, when President Alassane Ouattara won a fourth term with nearly 90% of the vote after several prominent opposition figures were barred from running, prompting criticism from opposition and civil society groups over the inclusiveness of the process.

Full report : Ivory Coast dissolves electoral commission after criticism.