Strengthening the Human Rights and Electoral System: ECOWAS Invest $384 in Côte d’Ivoire’s Democracy Process.
By Raymond Enoch
In a decisive move to strengthen democratic governance and promote peaceful and Credible elections, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially handed over critical financial support to Côte d’Ivoire’s Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and the National Human Rights Council (CNDH). The funds, totaling US $384,000, were presented at a formal ceremony held in Abidjan, underscoring ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting transparent and credible electoral processes in the region.
Her Excellency Ms. Fanta Cissé, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, led the handover, providing US $300,000 to the CEI and US $84,000 to the CNDH. The ceremony was graced by prominent figures including Mr. Sourou Koné, First Vice-President of the CEI, representing President Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert; Ms. Namizata Sangaré, President of the CNDH; and Mr. Serigne Ka, Acting Head of the Electoral Assistance Division and Head of the ECOWAS Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTEOM).
Opening the event, Ms. Cissé underscored the importance of peace and democracy as continuous endeavors requiring unwavering dedication.
“Peace and democracy are not destinations but journeys built daily through dialogue, tolerance, and collective responsibility,” she affirmed, praising the democratic maturity of the Ivorian people and the tireless efforts by national authorities to foster a peaceful, inclusive political environment.
This financial injection forms part of ECOWAS’s Regional Support Program for Electoral Processes, an initiative aligned with the organization’s Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, particularly Articles 12 to 14. These articles emphasize the critical role of ECOWAS in supporting member states during election periods to ensure political stability and uphold democratic values.
By investing in both the CEI and the CNDH, ECOWAS is reinforcing the pillars of electoral integrity and human rights protection, thereby promoting credible elections and safeguarding the democratic rights of Ivorians. This support also signifies a broader regional commitment to democracy and governance, pivotal for lasting peace and development across West Africa.
As Côte d’Ivoire prepares for its upcoming electoral milestones, ECOWAS’s partnership sends a strong message of solidarity, promising enhanced transparency and inclusiveness in the electoral process.
