REFORM OF THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION

REFORM OF THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION

On Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Civil Society Organizations including PLANETE PEIX represented by President Achille COMOE and the Secretary of Communications Miss Annick IBO, APHD, WANEP, and CEFCI went to the offices of the Secretary of State for Human Rights in Cocody on the convocation of of the said Institution on the following agenda:
1- Proposals for reform of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
2- The involvement of civil society in raising public awareness of the electoral process
Regarding the first point, the Secretary of State invited members of civil society to make concrete proposals concerning the reform of the IEC for the peaceful elections in 2020. The proposals should allow Cote D ‘ Ivory to abide by the Articles 10 and 17 of the Charter of the African Union and Article 3 of the ECOWAS Charter. She also invited civil society to put together their proposals in order to speak with one voice.
Regarding the second and final point, the Secretary of State encouraged civil society for her quest for perpetual peace and invited her to become more involved in raising public awareness on electoral process by implementing activities to strengthen the capacity of civil society for this purpose.

OPEN LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE HEAD OF GOVERNMENT, MR AMADOU GON COULIBALY

OPEN LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE HEAD OF GOVERNMENT, MR AMADOU GON COULIBALY

Mr. Prime Minister,

The reform of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) is of crucial importance, paramount, fundamental, critical and republican for the people of Cote d’Ivoire and thus for the advent of Peace. Yes, such a successful reform will truly contribute to, as you yourself pointed out, on January 24th, during the meeting with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) : “peacebuilding and social cohesion”.
But, Mr. Prime Minister, just at the opening of the dialogue with the Ivorian political parties and after the meeting with the Organizations of the civil society (OSC) on the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), respectively on the 21st and the 24th January, 2019 in Abidjan ; political parties and civil society organizations complained of exclusion.
This reform must be inclusive and participatory at all stages and we must succeed. To do this, it must take into account all parties involved without distinction and / or discrimination. One must refrain from severing his wound even putrescent, purulent, painful at the risk of worsening its previous situation. At the social level, no one, even the most mischievous, the most refractory in decision-making, should be dismissed at the risk of making things worse ; the social body and the human body working in the same way.
The beauty and richness of a work, of any reform reside in contradiction, in the diversity of its authors, in the diversity of their opinions. Childbirth may be difficult, the contradiction may be stormy, but the work or reform that emerges from it always triumphs over harsh criticism, sometimes useless and in bad faith ; doing so, we made economy of perpetual renewal, worries and endless expenses. The work that follows this way, gives back the smile, it restores confidence. It preserves childish palaver and reassures. And when it manifests itself in broad daylight, any suspicion or supposition fades and all disappointment fades away.
Whatever the love that spouses want to give each other, their marriage is null and of no effect, if it doesn’t obey the rules of want and form. Such a marriage is deemed never to have existed. We must therefore create a consensual framework that requires the consent of all and follow the paths that the law requires in such circumstances.
Prime Minister, at this sensitive time, let’s take our steps with caution. You must lead the reform of our institutions like “good father” in the best interests of the nation ; without offending, without indignation or frustration. You must make everyone feel comfortable and promote freedom of expression, which is so important to any democracy.
In addition, Prime Minister, the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), and with it the Constitutional Council (We must think about that), which will have to be carried out in depth must not be rushed as the question is sensitive. It invites us, the reform, to be cautious, because it wants to be done without ado. At a time when everyone must make efforts, it seems normal to weigh our decisions before committing and materializing this reform.
The people of CΓ΄te d’Ivoire hope for a better day, because we must not reproduce the same errors emanating from the same gestures, the same attitudes and always following the same methods.
In addition, you have recalled the role that is ours at the aforementioned date. You mentioned “training citizens so that they master the electoral process”; be reassured, PLANETE PAIX is already playing this role through its actions and in particular its program “Peace Digital Elections”. We commit ourselves to continue in this direction and even to redouble our efforts.
But, we believe that in order to deal effectively with the issue, a triple action of formation, sensitization and support is necessary towards the political parties, the civil society, the candidates and the voters.
Now for the support, the government must facilitate our mission by any useful means, at any time and in any place without distinction or discrimination and without any pursuit in the exercise of our mission.

The best,

Done in Abidjan on this January 29, 2019

Achille COMOE

Download the open letter to the Prime Minister

YOUNG CHAMPIONS’ SUMMIT : THE FINAL DECLARATION OF ABIDJAN, NOVEMBER 2018

YOUNG CHAMPIONS’ SUMMIT : THE FINAL DECLARATION OF ABIDJAN, NOVEMBER 2018

We, Young Champions, gathered in Abidjan (CΓ΄te d’Ivoire) from November 15 to 17, 2018, as part of our annual Summit, at the American Space with the participation of National and International Institutions with the support of the State of CΓ΄te d’Ivoire and the United States Embassy in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire, renew our commitment to Peace, Security and Sustainable Development for all present and fthe forthcoming human beings.

This unique event saw the presence and contribution of one hundred and thirty-two (132) participants, from twelve (12) countries and three (3) continents. The Young Champions Summit has been an important moment in building and strengthening stakeholder coalitions on topical issues such as Corruption, Climate Change, Deforestation, Poverty Alleviation, Women’s Empowerment, violence Extremism and terrorism and it is a great satisfaction to have demonstrated the collective capacity of non-state actors, in their diversity, to exchange, forge joint responses and express themselves together. This Summit represented a moment of intense work, with four-hour internships in seven (07) institutions, five (05) expert panels and two (02) rendition panels, and resulted in a joint and agreed statement. The results of these three (03) meeting days are gathered in this document and available on the internet (www.planetepaix.org) :

– The Youth Champions Summit Declaration focused on the importance of a participatory, inclusive and concerted approach to the fighting against corruption, climate change, deforestation, poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, violent extremism and terrorism and on the inseparable link with the stakes of development,

– the strong commitments of the participants

– the precise proposals, nourished by the experience of actions in the field, on the main themes mentioned above. Through the dissemination of these elements we hope that other partners join the platform and adhere to the Declaration of the Young Champions Summit.

We commit ourselves to strengthen our platform to mobilize the actors, promote the sharing of information, pool experiences and promote peace, security and sustainable development.

In addition, we confirm that the follow-up of the Young Champions Summit is essential and urge the organizers to facilitate the following steps, including the promotion of the 2018 Abidjan Declaration, to publish and disseminate widely the proceedings of the International Summit, and to ensure the continuation of the discussions as well as the examination of the concrete measures taken during the exchanges for the promotion of Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.

Finally, we call on African states to put in place :

1- The social, cultural, economic and environmental impact fund that will be dedicated to Civil Society Organizations that truly impact the continent through concrete actions in their countries or across the continent. This fund will be financed by the African States and handed over to the African Union for this purpose.

2- A special fund for women, girls and children dedicated to women’s organizations, women, girls with few resources. This fund will be financed by African states as well and handed over to the African Union for this purpose.

 We express the wish, with all the participants, to make the momentum alive, to strengthen the commitments, and to transform the Summit proposals into progress at the next Summit in Benin. With all the Young Champions, we remain very committed to the success of the November 2019 Summit and work to make it a success, but above all, after this meeting time, all those who have the capacity to act, should reinforce their interventions.

In 2019, we will report on progress made in implementing this joint declaration on peace, security and sustainable development.

The resolution of all these topical issues requires the firm commitment of each, the cooperation beyond the particular interests. This is the strong message of the Summit, and again, we want to express to all of you a big thank you for their participation and contribution.


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