Ivorian Opposition spokesman and candidate Pascal Affi N'Guessan (R) speaks during a press conference next to Mamadou Koulibaly (2nd L) and Albert Mabri Toikeuse (L) to call for 'civilian transition' in Ivory Coast on November 1, 2020 in Abidjan. - The final results of the election are expected on the night of November 1, 2020. The tense election in French-speaking West Africa's top economy is the latest test for a region where Guinea and Tanzania are caught up in post-election disputes, Nigeria is emerging from widespread unrest and Mali suffered a coup. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
The Alliance for Democracy and Peace (ADP) has reaffirmed its commitment to peacefully and lawfully campaign for the full abolition of the citizen sponsorship system in Côte d’Ivoire’s electoral process.
This declaration was made by party spokesperson Jacob Mamadou Coulibaly in a statement issued on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The announcement follows the postponement of a key hearing by the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The session, originally scheduled for Thursday, was expected to address the ADP’s legal challenge seeking the annulment of the citizen sponsorship requirement introduced in Ivorian elections.
“We have taken note of the postponement by the ECOWAS Court of the hearing on the request for annulment of the citizen sponsorship system in Côte d’Ivoire, which was scheduled for June 26,” Coulibaly said.
“We sincerely regret this delay, which slows down the legal clarification expected on a matter of both national and regional interest.”
While expressing respect for the independence of ECOWAS institutions and the operational constraints they face, the ADP raised serious concerns over the timing of the adjournment. With the country approaching a pivotal political moment, Coulibaly emphasized the urgency of judicial transparency.
“The political parties that make up the ADP call on the Court to promptly set a new date for the hearing, in accordance with citizens’ right to accessible and timely justice,” he urged.
Back in February, Coulibaly had formally announced that the ADP would petition the ECOWAS Court in an effort to overturn the citizen sponsorship system.
The policy, which requires political candidates to secure endorsements from a set percentage of the population before appearing on the ballot, has drawn criticism from opposition groups who argue it restricts democratic participation.
The ADP maintains that removing the requirement is crucial for fair and inclusive elections. As the legal battle unfolds, the alliance has vowed to continue its mobilization efforts while awaiting a new date from the regional court.
About The Author
