“Apolitical” Electoral Body: Why Is the Opposition Choosing the Ghanaian Model? (1)

Following the dissolution of Côte d’Ivoire’s Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), opposition parties want to build a new electoral body inspired by Ghana’s model. The Ivorian CEI had 18 members, and its composition—marked by executive influence and representation of political groups—prompted electoral disputes for years. Ghana’s commission has seven members, including a chair and two vice-chairs who cannot be removed, and manages voter lists, registers political parties, oversees their finances, and publishes final results. The opposition says credibility also depends on transparent procedures and dialogue among political actors.