Ivory Coast dissolves electoral commission after opposition criticism

Ivory Coast’s government has dissolved the Independent Electoral Commission, known as the CEI, after sustained opposition criticism over its independence and handling of elections.

The decision was approved at a Council of Ministers meeting on May 6 and was confirmed in official government and presidential communications. Government spokesman Amadou Coulibaly said the move is intended to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Officials said the CEI will be replaced by a new election-management mechanism, which will be discussed and put in place later. The government did not immediately give a full timetable for the replacement.

The announcement comes after years of criticism from opposition groups, who have accused the commission of lacking neutrality. The government said the overhaul is meant to support peaceful elections.

Questions now remain over what structure will replace the CEI and whether the change will affect the country’s electoral calendar or any pending disputes.