Political and administrative life

The presidential system in Côte d'Ivoire is characterized by a strict separation of powers within the state: the executive, legislative, and judicial powers. The Ivorian institutional landscape includes the bodies exercising these three powers as well as various consultative institutions, such as the Economic, Social, Environmental, and Cultural Council, and the Mediator of the Republic, which play a crucial role in maintaining democratic balance and promoting good governance.

The executive power consists of the President of the Republic, the Vice-President of the Republic, and the Government. The President of the Republic is the head of state and holds supreme executive power. He is assisted by the Vice-President and the members of the Government in implementing public policies and managing state affairs.

The legislative power is exercised by a bicameral Parliament, composed of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, consists of 255 deputies elected by direct universal suffrage. The Senate, the upper house, is composed of 99 senators, the majority of whom are elected by indirect suffrage (2/3), while the remaining third is appointed by the President of the Republic. This bicameral system allows for a diverse representation of national and local interests, thereby strengthening the legitimacy of the laws adopted.

The judicial power is exercised by magistrates, including judges and prosecutors. This power is independent, and the President of the Republic guarantees it, ensuring that judges can perform their duties without interference. This independence is essential to ensure fair justice and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Today, the Ivorian political landscape is animated by several political parties and movements, notably the RHDP, PDCI-RDA, FPI, PPA-CI, MGC, COJEP, LIDER, …

The latest legislative, senatorial, regional, and municipal elections were marked by the participation of almost all Ivorian political parties. They were held under conditions deemed satisfactory.

Administrative Life

The administrative and territorial organization is structured around decentralized and deconcentrated administrative districts, which are:

• The village: the basic administrative entity, the village is composed of neighborhoods formed by the gathering of members of one or more families, and possibly, of associated camps. It is led by a Chief recognized by the state who remains the interlocutor of the prefectural administration;
• The Sub-prefecture: it consists of several villages and remains the intermediate administrative district between the department and the village. It is administered by a Sub-prefect;
• The Department: a relay level between the region and the sub-prefecture, it generally includes several sub-prefectures. It is administered by a Prefect;
• The Region: it groups several departments and constitutes the level of design, programming, harmonization, support, coordination, and control of economic, social, and cultural development actions and operations carried out by all civil state administrations.
• The Autonomous District: it groups a set of municipalities and sub-prefectures led by Minister Governors appointed by the President of the Republic.
• The Municipality: it is a decentralized territorial collectivity, endowed with legal personality. It is led by a mayor elected by universal suffrage.
• The Regional Council: it is the elected decentralized body responsible for managing regional affairs through its deliberations, and its election is by universal suffrage.

 The deconcentrated administrative organization and Territorial Collectivities in 2021

Source : MIS-CNFCI

In summary, Côte d'Ivoire offers a well-structured political system and administrative organization. This institutional framework guarantees democracy, political stability, and the harmonious development of the country.