Côte d'Ivoire's Electoral Commission Is Paving the Way for Another Electoral Disaster
In this analysis, Mr. Konan Beugré, a Business Developer and political strategist warns of an impending electoral crisis ahead of the 25 October presidential poll.
2025 is an electoral year in Côte d'Ivoire: unless there’s any unforeseen, major disruption, voters will head to the polls on 25 October for the first round of the presidential election.
In the lead-up to this crucial event, a contentious decision by the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) is now threatening to destabilise the entire process.
The issue at hand is clear: the CEI has announced that the revision of the electoral roll—a critical step to ensure a fair and credible vote—will not take place before the election, but only after. Of course, a revision after election day defeats its very purpose.
Understandably, the move by the CEI has sparked widespread alarm. It raises serious questions about the transparency and inclusivity of the upcoming poll, heightening fears of sociopolitical unrest.
Exclusion
The revision of the electoral roll is not a mere formality; it is the backbone of any democratic election. It ensures that new voters are registered, and it purges the electoral databases of any deceased or ineligible individuals.
If the CEI presses ahead with its plans—denying a timely update of the register—the presidential election would exclude significant portions of the electorate.
The many at risk of disenfranchisement include young voters. Citizens who turn 18 after the last revision in late 2024 will be denied their right to vote.
Also, those who have moved to new areas will be unable to cast their ballots in their current polling districts. And what about voters with errors in their records?Without corrections, they may find themselves barred from casting their ballots.
As it happens, the CEI's decision is bound to result in exclusion, undermining the very principle of electoral fairness. And this is the trouble:
A democracy cannot function when a substantial segment of its population is denied the right to choose its leaders, which is why the CEI’s decision faces strong resistance.
The Opposition and civil society groups have been quick to condemn it, calling it a deliberate attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
As many have rightly argued, an outdated electoral roll not only casts doubt on the credibility of the election, but also sets the stage for disputes over the results. And the related risks are serious.
An unrevised voters’ roll could include duplicate entries, fictitious voters, and even the names of deceased individuals. That would create opportunities for rigging the vote.
If a significant portion of the electorate feels excluded, the next president could face immediate challenges to their mandate, weakening their authority from day one. Then, there’s the prospect of violence and instability.
Côte d'Ivoire’s recent history is a stark reminder of how disputed elections can spiral into post-electoral violence, with devastating consequences for the nation.
Already, some political parties are threatening to boycott the election, while grassroots movements are mobilising to demand an exceptional revision of the register before election day.
Accountability
The commission’s decision to delay the revision of the electoral roll is a dangerous gamble that could plunge the country into chaos.
But a post-election crisis is not an inevitability. To avert it, the CEI and the Ivorian government must act swiftly to make things right.
Organising an exceptional revision before October 2025 is not just a technical necessity—it is a moral imperative to safeguard the integrity of the election.
The international community, which has a vested interest in the stability of Côte d'Ivoire, should also step in. Diplomatic pressure and mediation could help steer the country away from the brink of disaster.
At any rate, every election in Côte d'Ivoire is a test of the nation’s democratic resilience. The 2025 vote is no exception.
By ignoring calls for an updated electoral roll, the CEI and the government risk repeating the mistakes of the past, potentially plunging the country into another cycle of uncertainty and violence.
The stakes could not be higher. So, for the sake of its democracy and stability, Côte d'Ivoire must ensure that the voice of every citizen is heard—and that begins with a credible and inclusive electoral register.
About The Author
Fabien K. Beugré is the founder of Groupe de recherche Côte d’Ivoire 2.0, a think tank focused on governance and democratic processes. A former Head of Africa Commodities Sales at Barclays London, he combines business development expertise with political insight. Beugré advocates for transparent, inclusive governance in Côte d'Ivoire.
