Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast – (African Boulevard News) – With the regional and municipal elections just four months away, the PPA-CI, the party of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, has announced the creation of a body to combat electoral fraud. The move is aimed at ensuring free and fair elections in the West African country.
The PPA-CI’s announcement comes amidst concerns from international observers and opposition parties about the potential for electoral fraud in Ivory Coast. In the past, the country has been plagued by disputed elections, leading to violence and instability.
The new body created by the PPA-CI will be made up of experts in electoral law, cybersecurity, and communications. Its mandate will be to monitor the elections and investigate any reports of fraud. The body will work in partnership with civil society organizations and other political parties to ensure that the elections are credible and transparent.
“We are committed to ensuring that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and peaceful,” said Gbagbo’s spokesperson, Pascal Affi N’Guessan. “We believe that the creation of this body will help to build trust and confidence in the electoral process.”
The PPA-CI’s move has been welcomed by other political parties and civil society organizations in Ivory Coast. They believe that the body’s expertise and independence will help to prevent electoral fraud and boost confidence in the electoral process.
“Electoral fraud undermines democracy and erodes public trust in the government and the political system,” said Moussa Dosso, the president of the Ivorian League for Human Rights. “We welcome the PPA-CI’s initiative, and we hope that it will lead to free and fair elections in Ivory Coast.”
The creation of the body also sends a strong message to the government of President Alassane Ouattara. Opposition parties have accused Ouattara of using state resources to stack the deck in his favor ahead of the elections. The PPA-CI’s move is seen as a counter to these allegations and a challenge to the government’s authority.
In recent years, Ivory Coast has made significant progress in consolidating democracy and promoting human rights. However, the country still faces challenges, including political polarization and a high level of corruption. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of Ivory Coast’s democratic institutions and its ability to maintain stability.
The PPA-CI’s move is a step in the right direction towards ensuring free and fair elections in Ivory Coast. However, much will depend on the willingness of all parties to abide by the rules and respect the results of the elections. If successful, the elections could enhance Ivory Coast’s reputation as a model for democracy in West Africa.
