Abidjan, 8 October 2025

Electoral observation for credible and peaceful elections

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTEOM) to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 25 October 2025.

The deployment was approved by H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, in accordance with the organisation’s legal instruments, including the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, the 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and Article 53(c) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework adopted in 2008.

Fifteen experts for comprehensive electoral monitoring

A total of fifteen (15) experts drawn from ECOWAS Member States will be deployed across Côte d’Ivoire from 2 to 29 October 2025. They bring diverse expertise in:

• constitutional law,
• political affairs and diplomacy,
• media and electoral operations,
• conflict prevention,
• gender, inclusion, and security issues.

The observers will monitor all key phases of the electoral process before, during, and after the polls. Their analyses will serve as an early-warning and rapid-response mechanism, contributing to the prevention and management of any election-related tension or conflict.

Promoting transparency and citizen participation

The mission seeks to foster an environment of transparency and trust, encouraging active citizen participation. The observers will provide real-time assessments and practical recommendations to relevant authorities to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.

To ensure effective coordination, ECOWAS will establish a Situation Room to monitor national developments and submit daily updates to the ECOWAS Commission for review and strategic action.

Renewed commitment to democracy and stability in the region

Through this deployment, ECOWAS reaffirms its continued commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in conducting credible, transparent, and peaceful presidential elections, and its unwavering determination to promote democracy, good governance, peace, and stability throughout the West African region.

It is worth recalling that ECOWAS had earlier deployed a Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Côte d’Ivoire from 29 June to 5 July 2025. The mission held meetings with government officials, political party representatives, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), and members of civil society, before submitting a detailed report to the ECOWAS Commission.

Official mission contacts:
Mr Serigne Mamadou Ka – Head of Technical Team
ska@ecowas.int | +234 808 888 2132

Mr Luther Barou – Electoral Operations Officer
lbarou@ecowas.int | +234 909 483 3333

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