An Electoral Body of “Experts”: Why Is the Opposition Choosing the Ghanaian Model? (2)

After Côte d’Ivoire dissolved its Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) on May 6, 2026, opposition parties proposed a National Independent Electoral Authority (AENI) in an 18-page document published on October 3. They seek to replace the former 18-member commission, whose appointments were strongly influenced by the executive, with a less politicized body inspired by Ghana. Ghana’s Electoral Commission has seven members, including a chair and two deputies whose judge-like status makes them irremovable. It manages voter lists, registers political parties and oversees their finances, though its credibility also depends on transparent procedures and political dialogue.