I. INTRODUCTION
1. On 25th October 2025, in accordance with the country’s Constitution and electoral laws, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire held its presidential election, which was contested by five candidates approved by the Constitutional Council.
2. In conformity with the provisions of Articles 12 and 13 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and Articles 17 to 21 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, respectively, the ECOWAS Commission and the African Union Commission supported the electoral process in several ways, including the deployment of pre-electoral fact-finding missions, engagements with representatives of civil society organizations and Senior Editors and writers in print, electronic, social media and online portals, to address the challenges of disinformation, misinformation and hate speech during the electioneering process. ECOWAS and AU also provided financial assistance to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the National Council on Human Rights.
3. The joint ECOWAS and African Union pre-electoral fact-finding Missions aimed to assess the state of preparedness of the electoral process, including the readiness of the election management body and other key stakeholders. In this regard, the Missions held consultations with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Living Abroad; the Minister of Defence; the President and Members of the Constitutional Council; the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC); the National Commission on Hu- man Rights; the High Authority of Audiovisual Communication (HACA); and the National Press Authority. The delegations also engaged political parties, including the Democratic Party of Cote d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI- RDA), the Coalition for Political Change in Cote d’Ivoire (CAP-CI), the African Peoples Party of Cote d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), and the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP). In addition, the Missions held discussions with Religious and Traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and several other NGO platforms/coalitions, as well as the diplomatic corps and the international community present in Côte d’Ivoire.
4. In the build-up to the 25th October 2025 election, and in furtherance of the provisions of Articles 14 to 16 of the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and Article 2(12) of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the President of ECOWAS, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray and the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, jointly deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) comprising 15 Long-Term and 240 Short-Term observers to Cote d’Ivoire. The Joint Mission was led by H.E. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with the support of His Excellency, Baboucar Blaise Jagne, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, and His Excellency Mahamat Saleh Annadif, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chad and former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General and Head of UNOWAS. The Mission was supported by a technical team from the ECOWAS Commission and the African Union Commission, led by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, and the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye.
5. The joint Election Observation Mission (EOM) was deployed with a mandate to observe all critical phases of the electoral process, before, during, and after the election, with a view to assessing the process and proffering recommendations aimed at strengthening and improving future electoral processes. Furthermore, the EOM serves as a rapid-response mechanism for preventive diplomacy initiatives on electoral process-related challenges.
6. The membership of the joint EOM is drawn from 28 African countries, comprising the ECOWAS and African Union Parliaments, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, the ECOWAS and African Union Permanent Representatives Committees, the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, the African Union Panel of the Wise, Foreign Affairs Ministries and Electoral Management Bodies (EMBS) of Member States, as well as Civil Society Organizations, media and electoral experts.
II. CONTEXT OF THE OCTOBER 2025 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
7. The presidential election of 25 October 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire represents a decisive turning point in the country’s democratic consolidation process. Following the electoral crises of 2010 and 2020, the 25 October 2025 election constitutes a test of the country’s ability to conduct a peaceful, credible, and violence-free electoral process. In the weeks leading up to the polls, approximately 700 individuals were reportedly arrested for alleged public order disturbances. About 30 of them were tried and sentenced to jail terms of up to three years’ imprisonment for participating in ‘banned demonstrations’. From a socio-economic perspective, Côte d’Ivoire remains relatively stable, with notable economic performance despite persistent social inequalities among the populace.
8. Besides, persistent disagreements over the revision of the voters’ register, among others, led to the suspension of the participation of some opposition parties, such as the PPA-CI and PDCI, in the Independent Electoral Commission’s deliberations. Allegations about the credibility of the voters’ register, combined with weak political dialogues, contributed to heightened tensions and apprehension. Opposition parties consequently questioned the Electoral Commission’s capacity to organise free and fair elections. In a similar vein, the disqualification of several prominent opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, heightened perceptions of electoral partiality. Whilst the Constitutional Council asserted that these exclusions were based on the constitution and existing laws, supporters of excluded candidates claim that such decisions undermine the inclusiveness and overall credibility of the process.
9. Furthermore, most of the prospective presidential candidates were disqualified as a result of their inability to satisfy “parrainage” (sponsorship) requirements, leaving five candidates out of the 60 to contest the elections. This has also been a source of grievance, especially among the opposition parties and their supporters.
10. Despite the foregoing, the election campaign period, which began on 10 October 2025, ended at midnight on 23 October 2025 with little reported incidents, save the burning of the Electoral Commission office in Yamoussoukro and the killing of a gendarme during a patrol mission on the Agboville-Azaguié axis, which incident occurred on Monday, 20 October 2025. Also, on Sunday, 19 October 2025, a protester arrested during the dismantling of barricades on the Daloa-Issia axis (Centre-West) reportedly died of “shortness of breath” after being evacuated to the hospital. Overall, the socio-political climate in the country leading up to Election Day was relatively calm.
III. LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE ELECTION
11. An ideal legal framework is easily accessible and transparent, with consistent and easily applicable provisions to promote democracy and ensure the rule of law. The Ivorian legal framework for the presidential election is accessible and largely complies with international standards. It is also aligned with global, regional, and sub-regional instruments ratified by Côted’Ivoire.
12.It includes the 2016 Constitution, as amended on March 19, 2020, and the Electoral Code, as modified in April 2020 and May 2025. It is supplemented by other texts, such as the 1993 law on political parties, the 2004 law on the funding of political parties, groups, and election campaigns, as well as various Decrees issued by the Council of Ministers. These include notably Decree No. 2025-649 of July 30, 2025, which convenes the electorate to the polls for the 25 October 2025 presidential election, and the various communiqués from the Independent Electoral Commission.
13. In addition to legal texts, the resolutions from political dialogues constitute a part of the uncodified legal arsenal that plays a role in the organisation of presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire.
14. According to Article 55 of the Constitution, eligibility for the presidential election is conditioned on having Ivorian nationality exclusively, being born to an Ivorian father or mother of origin, being at least thirty-five years old, and enjoying one’s civil and political rights. In addition, candidates must be sponsored by voters representing one (1) % of the local electorate in at least fifty (50)% of the regions and autonomous districts. If, after verification by the Constitutional Council, a candidacy no longer meets the required minimum, the candidate is notified to regularize the number of invalidated sponsorships within forty-eight hours (Article 54, Electoral Code). The Joint Mission noted that some aspects of sponsorship by voters deserve further clarification by the Electoral Code.
IV. ENGAGEMENTS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
15. Upon arrival in Abidjan on 20 October 2025, the Head of Mission and his delegation held consultations with relevant stakeholders on the electoral process, including with the President of the Republic, and RHDP’s candidate, H.E. Alassane Ouattara, and other candidates such as Ahoua Don Mello (Independent candidate) and Mrs Henriette Adjoua Lagou, candidate of the Groupement des partenaires politiques pour la paix (GP-Paix). The Mission equally held consultations with the Minister of the Interior, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the High Authority for Audio-visual Communication (HACA), the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), the Constitutional Council, and the National Press Authority (ANP).
16. The Mission also held consultations with the Group of African Ambassadors in Côte d’Ivoire and Ambassadors of the European Union, civil society organisations, as well as other Heads of International Election Observation Missions, including the L’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF).
V. ELECTION DAY
17. On Election Day, the joint Mission deployed a total of 255 observers, grouped into 88 observer teams covering all 12 Administrative Districts in addition to the autonomous districts of Abidjan and Yamoussoukro. The observers visited a combined total of 1,477 Polling stations nationwide, and reported the following:
Opening of Polls
18. During the opening phase, the Mission observed 88 polling stations across multiple districts and municipalities in Côte d’Ivoire on 25 October 2025. Overall, the opening process was peaceful and orderly, with adequate security personnel present in most areas. Of the 88 polling stations observed, 67.79% opened on time, while 32.20% experienced delays ranging from 10 minutes to over an hour.
19. The joint Mission noted that several factors accounted for the delays in the opening. These included logistical challenges that caused the late delivery of voting materials. In some locations, materials arrived nearly an hour after 8:00 am, the official opening of polling, resulting in a late start to voting. In addition, some polling centres experienced difficulties setting up and getting staff ready before opening time. In other places, observers noted equipment malfunction, particularly affecting the biometric verification machines. Among the polling stations that experienced delayed delivery of materials were: Boundiali in Savanes District, EPP Koko 1, BV 01; Bongouanou in Lacs District, Lycée Moderne BV 01; Yamoussoukro/Attiégouakro (EPP Ndebo BV 02); and Adzopé in Lagunes District, Groupe Scolaire 123 et Maternelle BV
20. Observers also noted the absence or late arrivals of polling officials in some polling stations, thus contributing to the delays in the commencement of polls. For instance, in Marcory (GS Sombo Issac BV 02), Marcory (Groupe Scolaire Boulevard du Gabon BV 04), and Abidjan (Lycée Technique BV B4), presiding officers and other essential staff were not on site at the start of polls, thus delaying polls by nearly an hour.
21. Furthermore, the relocation of the Polling Centre No. 39 from EPP Mahidio to GS Henriette Dagri Diabaté (Polling Centre No. 04) in Gagnoa, on the morning of election day, before voting began, led to a delayed setup and caused initial confusion among voters who were unaware of the relocation.
22. In summary, while most polling stations opened on time, about one-third of the polling stations experienced delays due to late delivery of materials, late arrival of election officials, organisational and logistical deficiencies, and lack of communication on a relocated polling centre in Gagnoa.
23. It is also worth noting the near total absence of representatives from four candidates at the polling stations, notably those of Jean Louis Billon, Simone Gbagbo, Henriette Lagou, and Ahoua Don Mello. This was in sharp contrast to the presence of agents of candidate Alassane Ouattara in almost all polling stations visited.
Voting Process
24. The joint Mission observed a total of 1,360 polling stations across all central districts and regions in the country. Overall, the voting exercise was peaceful and well-organised at the majority of polling stations observed. Of the total number observed, 92% were rated as having ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ conduct during the voting process, whilst 8% recorded notable challenges, primarily related to access, ballot secrecy, or voter management. There were isolated incidents of tension (non-violent) in Bouaké (Vallée du Bandama District, GS Nimbo BV 4) and Yopougon (Abidjan District, GS SIDECI BAD BV 5), both relating to overcrowding during peak voting hours. However, none of these incidents disrupted voting operations. Moreover, there was an adequate presence of security officers who acted professionally in discharging their duties at polling centres.
25. While most polling stations ensured privacy, about 61 polling stations had a layout that compromised ballot secrecy, due to inadequate spacing or improper booth positioning. Examples include EPP SICOGI, BV 2 in Bouaké, and EPP Koko 1, BV 3 in Boundiali. In addition, although most polling stations had adequate electoral materials, there were isolated places, such as in Abobo (Abidjan District, Lycée Moderne 2, BV 7), which recorded insufficient indelible ink; Gagnoa (Gôh-Djiboua District, Lycée Moderne 1, BV 4), where there were missing tactile ballots; and delays in replenishing ballot papers in Divo (Gôh-Djiboua District, Collège Moderne Divo, BV 8).
26. Concerning inclusion, accessibility at the polling stations was generally fair, but limited in several polling stations observed. For instance, 234 polling stations (representing 25%) had challenges, such as stairs or narrow entrances, making accessibility very difficult. Notable examples include Cocody (Abidjan) and San Pedro (Bas-Sassandra District), where polling units in school buildings lacked ramps for easy access. In addition, some polling stations were also located on upper floors of buildings, as observed in Port-Bouët. Tactile ballots for visually impaired voters were rarely available, present in only 95 polling stations (12%) and used in fewer than 10. Despite these limitations, the Mission noted that election staff showed willingness to accommodate special needs voters. In addition, at least 20 voters were denied the right to vote due to names not appearing on the voters’ register or discrepancies on the voter lists, notably in Abobo (EPP Belleville BV 05) and Man (Lycée Municipal BV 04).
27. Instances were recorded in 19 polling stations where voters were allowed to cast their ballots without presenting valid identification, often due to clerical errors in the voter register or confusion over the types of accepted ID. These incidents occurred in Adjame (Abidjan District, Ecole primaire Mission Li- banaise, BV 01); Touba (Woroba District, Municipalité 1, BV 01); Bingerville (Abidjan District, EEP Agriculture, BV 01); and Gagnoa (Gôh-Djiboua District, Lycée Moderne 1-2, BV B3 51/52).
28. A notable incident, however, occurred at a polling station in Lolobo Primary School (Lolobo PU 1) in Yamoussoukro District. A large group of masked men, numbering about 30, invaded the polling centre, throwing stones and other objects during the voting process, creating panic and disrupting the polls. The situation led to the temporary suspension of voting. Security reinforcements were later deployed, and order was restored, allowing voting to resume safely.
Closing and Counting of Votes
29. Observers reported that most polling stations closed on schedule and vote counting commenced immediately. Based on the reports submitted, 57% of the Polling Stations visited closed at 6:00 PM. In comparison, 43% closed after 6:00 PM, mainly due to late poll openings or minor logistical issues encountered at the commencement of polling.
30. In almost all localities visited, closing operations took place in a calm and orderly manner. Security personnel were visible but non-intrusive. Voters who were already in line before the official closing time were allowed to cast their ballots.
31. The counting process was conducted openly, in the presence of agents and observers. Most of the teams described the atmosphere as peaceful and orderly. Observers were generally allowed access to observe all stages of the process.
32. Nevertheless, some challenges were noted. In several polling stations, voter participation was reported to be very low, and in some cases, no voters remained to witness the counting. This situation was observed in parts of the Lacs District (notably Dimbokro in the N’Zi Region) and the Abidjan District (including Port-Bouët and surrounding areas).
33. Also, in a particular polling station in Divo (G.S. Bézy Tayoro Lucien Polling Centre, Polling Unit No. 02) in the Loh-Djiboua Region, Gôh-Djiboua District, our observers reported that they were not permitted to photograph the polling station results after counting, suggesting an isolated restriction on observer access to documentation.
34. Aside from these few issues, no major incidents or disruptions were recorded during the closing and counting phase. Security conditions remained stable throughout, and security agents acted with restraint and professionalism.
VI. PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS
35. The joint Mission notes that despite punctual and well-coordinated openings in most locations, about one-third of polling stations experienced avoidable delays stemming from late delivery of election materials, organizational and logistical deficiencies, absence of and late arrivals of election officials, and failure to give prior notice to voters on some relocated centres, leading to late start of polls.
36. In light of the foregoing, the joint Mission recommends that the competent authorities ensure overnight delivery of materials and strengthen early-morning logistics coordination. They should also establish backup teams to replace late or absent election officials and provide clear communication channels between Election supervisors and their field officers. The joint Mission further recommends strengthening accessibility measures for differently abled persons and those with disabilities, and training polling staff on ballot secrecy and efficient voter management, in preparation for the legislative elections coming up later in the year.
37. The Mission notes the weak presence of representatives of four of the five candidates.
38. The Mission notes that the legal framework could be further strengthened to regulate the pre-campaign period, the use of state resources during the campaign, and establish control on the use of public and private funding for election campaigns.
39. The joint Mission further notes the need to integrate agreements emanating from political dialogue processes into national laws. It also calls on ECOWAS, the AU, and development partners to intensify support to Côte d’Ivoire in consolidating democracy, peace, and social cohesion through continued dialogue, including in the period leading up to the legislative elections.
40. The Joint ECOWAS-AU Election Observation Mission wishes to appeal to all stakeholders, principally the political parties, candidates, and their supporters, the security forces, and the general citizenry, to remain calm and patiently wait for the final announcement and validation of the election results by the competent authorities, as required by law. In this regard, the joint Mission particularly appeals to candidates and political parties to refrain from making any statements that may breach the peace.
Done in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on 27th October 2025
H.E. PROFESSOR OLUYEMI OLULEKE OSINBAJO, HEAD OF JOINT ECOWAS-AU ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION
Source: newsghana.com.gh
