ELECTORAL ANALYSES

Côte d'Ivoire's municipal and regional elections, scheduled for October and November 2023, were rushed through following a decree issued by the Ivorian head of government, authorizing electoral contests for the date of September 02 of the same year. Several political parties were competing in these elections, including the PDCI, the PPA-CI, the RHDP and several independent candidates. However, turnout for the municipal and regional elections was 36% and 44% respectively. These local elections, which were more or less marred by irregularities, are said to have been dominated by the ruling party. The RHDP won 123 mayoral seats and 25 regional councillors. On the other hand, the PPA-CI, whose members had been absent from the political scene for some ten years and who were making an imminent comeback, appear to be the biggest losers in these local elections. As for the PDCI, despite the death of President Bédié, it was able to honour the title of Côte d'Ivoire's oldest political party with the seats it won. In short, local elections are due to be held again in 4 municipalities before the end of 2023.