Côte d'Ivoire's government has dissolved the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) following sustained criticism of the body over its handling of elections, government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly said on Wednesday.

The decision was approved by the government following repeated disputes over the commission's independence and its handling of elections, Coulibaly told a news conference after a cabinet meeting.

He said the move was intended to pave the way for a new election management system and help restore public confidence in the electoral process, with the aim of ensuring "peaceful polls."

Coulibaly said that discussions within the government would now decide what structure will replace the CEI.

Government denies commission aligned with ruling coalition

Côte d'Ivoire last held a presidential election in October 2025, when President Alassane Ouattara won a fourth term with nearly 90% of the vote.

The CEI, created in October 2001, has overseen all of Côte d'Ivoire's elections since the end of military rule.

Opposition parties often accuse the commission of lacking independence, saying its membership is overly aligned with the ruling coalition, accusations authorities have repeatedly rejected.