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Côte d’Ivoire’s Voter Roll Reaches 8.7 Million Amid Opposition Demands for Revision

Côte d’Ivoire’s Independent Electoral Commission reports almost 8.7 million voters on the provisional list, despite calls for revision from opposition parties. Concerns over transparency and the exclusion of key political figures have surfaced. The final voters’ list is expected around June 20, ahead of the presidential elections in October.

Côte d’Ivoire has reported nearly 8.7 million voters on its provisional electoral roll, as confirmed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). This list was officially presented to the political parties, but opposition groups are demanding revisions prior to the presidential elections slated for October 25.

Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert, president of the IEC, stated that a “mid-term review” of the electoral process is currently being conducted. The IEC has also reviewed and updated data to include close to 769,757 new voter registrations. From Saturday, citizens will have the opportunity to challenge any discrepancies they find in the provisional list.

The president of the IEC emphasized the urgency of the electoral timetable, asserting that it allows no room for additional revisions. However, opposition leaders, including Kaza Djah from the PPA-CI party, expressed concerns about the tight schedule and asserted that the IEC may not be aiming for transparency in the electoral process. They contend that the voter list should reflect over 12.5 million individuals rather than the reported 8.7 million.

Notably, prominent figures, such as former President Laurent Gbagbo and COJEP leader Charles Blé Goudé, have been omitted from the provisional list due to ineligibility based on past convictions. In light of the political landscape, a coalition comprising 25 parties known as the Coalition for Peaceful Change has been formed to advocate for electoral reforms and facilitate political dialogue.

The IEC aims to finalize the voters’ list by June 20. Meanwhile, current President Alassane Ouattara has yet to declare his candidacy for the presidential elections scheduled for October 2025. Nevertheless, his ruling party demonstrates significant support for his potential fourth-term bid despite previous electoral controversies.

In summary, Côte d’Ivoire’s provisional electoral roll lists 8.7 million voters, but opposition parties are calling for its revision due to concerns over transparency and accuracy. The situation is compounded by the exclusion of key political figures from the list and the formation of a coalition seeking electoral reform. The IEC is under pressure to finalize the list by June 20, as the country approaches pivotal presidential elections.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr

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