The Ivorian government has announced the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the body responsible for organizing and supervising elections.

The announcement was made by the government spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, following the Council of Ministers meeting held on May 6, 2026, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.

“The Council adopted a draft ordinance. Accordingly, under the Ministry of the Interior and Security, the Council approved an ordinance dissolving the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI),” Amadou Coulibaly stated.

According to the spokesperson, this dissolution paves the way for the establishment of a new electoral management mechanism aimed at providing greater reassurance to political stakeholders and citizens, while ensuring the long-term conduct of peaceful elections in the country.

Over the past 20 years, the CEI has been responsible for organizing and supervising national elections and referendums. However, at the end of the most recent electoral cycle, and in light of concerns and criticisms raised against the institution, the Council decided to dissolve it.

It is worth noting that the Independent Electoral Commission was established by Law No. 2001-634 of October 9, 2001, in accordance with the Constitution of August 1, 2000.