NDI Delegation Finds Cote d’Ivoire Ready for Serious Election Reform Discussion

As Côte d'Ivoire struggles to achieve reconciliation and build viable democratic institutions in the wake of election-related violence in 2011, it has recognized the need for credible elections and representative institutions as essential steps for reinvigorating its democratic and economic development, according to the findings of an international assessment delegation fielded by NDI.

The December mission, which presented its findings in Abidjan on March 8, was charged with assessing preparations for the country’s 2015 presidential election.

The mission found that Ivoirians are committed to rebuilding their electoral system and share a common desire for a consensus-driven electoral process. Despite differences of opinion on the specific details of anticipated reforms, Ivoirian leaders are prepared to engage in serious discussion of substantive issues that would lead to consensus on the ground rules for future elections.

The delegation made 10 recommendations aimed at identifying timely, concrete steps that would enhance the confidence of all Ivoirians in the country’s political and electoral processes. They included reconfiguring the independent election commission, updating the electoral list, improved voter education, election monitoring and instituting other confidence building measures that would create an environment conducive to credible and peaceful elections, such as guaranteeing all political parties the right to free association in all parts of the country.

The delegation included political and civic leaders, as well as election and regional experts from North America, Europe, and Africa, and was co-led by former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark and Brian Atwood, former administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and a member of NDI’s Board of Directors. Delegation members met with diverse political, civic, and religious leaders, the independent election commission, and representatives from the Ivoirian government and the international community. All Ivoirian parties welcomed the delegation’s visit.

More than 100 Ivorian political and civic leaders attended a luncheon and discussion where the report was presented. Attendees included a former prime minister and two cabinet ministers, members of the Constitutional Council, the chairman and members of the election commission, representatives of all major Ivorian political parties and civil society organizations, as well as the religious leaders of Muslim and Christian faiths.

The event held particular significance, which was noted by former Prime Minister Jeannot Ahoussou who said, “This is the first time we [Ivoirian leaders from all political parties] are gathered in the same room since the 2010 election crisis.”

The assessment mission was supported by a grant from the National Endowment for Democracy.

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Published March 20, 2014