How could the inscription of nearly 9 million voters in Côte d’Ivoire shape democracy before the 2025 presidential election?


** Towards a historical election: revision of the electoral file in Côte d’Ivoire **

The recent announcement of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) of Côte d’Ivoire concerning the update of the electoral file aroused a renewed interest vis-à-vis the electoral prospects for the election of October 2025. With nearly 9 million people provisionally registered, this stage reveals not only democratic issues, but also complex challenges linked to electoral governance, citizen participation. This process, which begins a countdown of two crucial weeks, deserves to be examined in depth, beyond its simple logistical dimension.

### A context of tensions and opportunities

The October 2025 election is part of a context rich in issues. After a decade marked by political crises and community tensions, the implementation of an updated electoral file is an opportunity for reconciliation and stabilization of the political climate. To understand this event, it is essential to analyze not only the figures, but also the social dynamics that surround them.

Compared, during the previous elections, such as those of 2015, the rate of registration of voters was less than 50% in certain regions, illustrating barriers to access to the electoral process. This time, the CEI has the means to act to overcome these inequalities, but it is also up to it to inform and educate the population about the importance of this registration. The stake is not simply quantitative; He is also qualitative.

## Let the mobilization of political parties and citizens

The next two weeks promise to be decisive not only for political parties, but also for citizens. Calls for the registration or cancellation of individuals from the electoral list could indeed be perceived as a fight for the control of voices. The direct commitment of citizens is crucial in this process, marked by a need for transparency and equal opportunities.

Conversely, this could also be an opportunity for young people and new political voices. By closely observing the mechanisms of self-registration and civic engagement, we note that the young movements, traditionally not very represented, could be a driving force in the evolution of political consciousness. This phenomenon is not unprecedented in West Africa, where youth begins to take charge of their destiny. In Guinea, for example, young people played a decisive role in recent political demonstrations.

### The risk of manipulation and the necessary vigilance

Let us not lose sight of the potential abuses during this sensitive period. The history of the elections in Côte d’Ivoire is tainted with allegations of fraud and manipulation of the electoral lists. The possibility of cancellation or registration raises questions. Who will be registered? Who will be struck off? Extreme vigilance is necessary to ensure the integrity of the procedure, thus avoiding that legitimate votes are dismissed.

Non -governmental organizations and international observers will therefore be essential to supervise this process, ensuring that the operation takes place in a climate of trust and equity. The participation of other actors, such as the media and community groups, is also crucial to strengthen transparency.

### A reflection on the future democratic

The challenges posed by the current electoral process are not isolated; They are part of a long -term vision for democracy in Côte d’Ivoire. How will this evolution of electoral registration influence the behavior of long-term citizens? By promoting a culture of civic involvement today, Côte d’Ivoire could envisage a future generation ready to embrace democratic responsibilities with the seriousness they deserve.

Thus, the path to the October 2025 election is not only of the registration logistics, but also from the construction of a strong civic consciousness. This is a pivotal moment to rethink the role of the citizen in Ivorian democracy, through an active participation which transcends the simple act of voting. Likewise, making this update of the electoral file an example of good governance striving to rekindle the confidence of Ivorians towards their institutions.

In short, while Ivorians are preparing for this decisive electoral process, it is imperative that each actor, from the highest summit of the government to simple citizens, recognizes the historical scope of their actions. The real issue is not only to include names on a list, but to write together the next chapter in their democratic history.

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