ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Côte d’Ivoire’s political parties are continuing discussions over the proposed reform of the country’s electoral institution, with opposition groups working toward a common position.

On October 1, Charles Blé Goudé, president of the COJEP party, met Interior and Security Minister Diomandé Vagondo as part of government consultations on the future electoral body. Blé Goudé said his political grouping would soon transmit its proposals to the government.

The discussions come after the government began consultations with political stakeholders following the decision earlier this year to dissolve the existing electoral commission and establish a new institution.

Meanwhile, Pascal Affi N’Guessan said the PPA-CI had agreed in principle to participate in a joint proposal on the future electoral body. A working group involving several political groupings was scheduled to meet on October 2 to develop the common position.

The consultations are focused on the structure and functioning of the proposed institution and involve government officials and representatives of political parties.

The reform process is being closely followed as Côte d’Ivoire continues to shape the institutional framework that will oversee future electoral processes.