ECOWAS Deploys Pre-Election Mission for Ivorian Presidential Poll

An ECOWAS pre-election mission led by Prof. Théodore Holo commenced activities in Abidjan on June 30, 2025, to assess preparations for Côte d’Ivoire’s October presidential election.

The delegation includes ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel-Fatau Musah, Benin’s ECOWAS Ambassador Adjovi Yekpe, and UN representatives.

According to official statements, the mission held consultations with Ivorian authorities including the Foreign Ministry, Independent Electoral Commission, and media regulator High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA). Meetings extended to civil society groups, ECOWAS member-state ambassadors, and UN Resident Coordinator Hélène N’Garnim-Ganga.

Prof. Holo emphasized the mission’s mandate to evaluate political conditions, identify potential challenges, and recommend measures ensuring transparent and peaceful elections. The engagements aim to bolster stakeholder confidence in the electoral process through inclusive dialogue. ECOWAS Resident Representative Fanta Cissé facilitated coordination with local institutions.

This initiative aligns with ECOWAS’ conflict-prevention protocols, particularly in member states undergoing high-stakes elections. The mission will remain in Côte d’Ivoire through early July before submitting findings to the ECOWAS Commission.