On Saturday, September 21, 2024, in Bonoua, several Ivorian opposition parties gathered to call for sweeping reforms to Côte d'Ivoire's electoral system. The meeting, led by ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo and attended by key political groups such as the PDCI (Parti Démocratique de Côte d'Ivoire), the MGC (Mouvement des Générations Capables), and Cojep (Congrès Panafricain pour la Justice et l'Égalité des Peuples), resulted in the publication of a collective declaration. These parties identified the current electoral system as a "major source of socio-political conflicts," which they believe has fueled the crises that have plagued the country since 2000.

The opposition parties' primary demands include a thorough revision of the electoral roll, which they argue no longer reflects the reality of the Ivorian electorate. They also emphasized the necessity of reforming the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), which they claim lacks independence and credibility. Furthermore, the group called for the revision of the 2020 electoral code, criticizing it for enabling biased election processes.

Simone Gbagbo, speaking on behalf of the gathered parties, stressed the urgency of reform. "The current system cannot guarantee peace in our country," she warned, underscoring the dangers of maintaining an electoral process that continues to divide the nation. The declaration highlighted how these deficiencies, if not addressed, could once again lead to the violent political clashes seen in previous elections.

This meeting in Bonoua also provided a platform for the opposition to point out additional flaws in the Ivorian electoral system, particularly regarding election financing. They cited insufficient state funding for political parties, opacity in the management of these funds, and the lack of campaign expenditure limits, all of which, according to the opposition, create a breeding ground for injustice and inequality in the political landscape.

In their declaration, the opposition parties also addressed the role of the media, stating that public information services are overly controlled by the ruling party, limiting equitable access to state media for all political actors. They called for reforms to ensure a pluralistic expression of opinions, essential in any democracy.

Looking ahead to the 2025 presidential elections and the subsequent 2026 local elections, the opposition urged the government to initiate an inclusive political dialogue involving all political parties and civil society organizations. The goal of this dialogue would be to address the issues raised and prevent future electoral violence. They proposed a detailed memorandum outlining eight key areas for reform, including the revision of the electoral code, the reformation of the CEI, electoral security, and media regulation.

The opposition parties reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration and unity in advocating for these changes. By addressing these critical electoral challenges, they hope to ensure peaceful, transparent, and fair elections in Côte d'Ivoire, free from the cycle of violence that has marred the country's political history.