Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast Call for Just, Transparent, and Peaceful Presidential Election in October 2025

However, they lament that in recent decades, political practices have increasingly prioritized partisan interests over the common good.

“The political situation today continues to cause anxiety among Ivorians, many of whom now perceive politics as a dangerous arena,” the Catholic Bishops lament.

They note that the planned presidential poll is causing “widespread apprehension, particularly given the history of electoral violence and its devastating consequences, including inter-communal conflicts, family disintegration, and social unrest.”

“It is troubling that, during election periods, Ivorians—who cherish life—become fratricidal, as if forgetting that they share a common home: Ivory Coast,” CECCI members further say.

Despite these concerns, the Catholic Church leaders call on Ivorians to remain hopeful and committed to a peaceful electoral process.

They urge members of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) to “build confidence by respecting the most objective standards of transparency and impartiality.”

The Catholic Church leaders also call on CEI members to honour the “commitment to fairness and work to reduce any potential flaws in the system that could undermine public confidence in future elections.”

“CEI is the guarantor of the electoral process. Let it therefore engage in constant dialogue with all stakeholders, particularly political parties, to address all concerns, including the revision of the electoral roll and ensuring the integrity of the results,” they add.

CECCI members call upon politicians to “prioritize national unity over partisan interests.”

They urge political candidates and party members to “foster dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to the common good, in line with St. Paul’s exhortation: ‘Have the same mindset, the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.’”

Ivory Coast’s Catholic Bishops call upon faith leaders to “resist financial inducements and remain steadfast in their mission of promoting peace and truth.”

They call for “intensified prayer and spiritual vigilance,” emphasizing the need for “moral integrity in the electoral process.”

In their collective statement, CECCI members call upon journalists and their respective media houses to “ensure balanced and accurate reporting.”

They invite regulatory bodies to “promote fairness in media coverage and discourage inflammatory rhetoric.”

To young people, the Catholic Bishops caution against “political manipulation and violence,” reminding them that they “hold the future of the nation in their hands.” The Catholic Church leaders urge youths to “reject exploitation and actively contribute to peacebuilding efforts.”

(Story continues below)

They call upon the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) to “demonstrate professionalism, neutrality, and respect for human rights, and to ensure peaceful and transparent elections.”

CECCI members go on to reaffirm their “commitment to accompanying the nation through this electoral period with prayer and guidance.”

They call upon all Ivorians to “embrace their civic duty with a sense of responsibility, ensuring that the election serves as a stepping stone toward greater national cohesion.”

“Let us no longer place our country and its inhabitants in danger. We want no more post-election conflict! No more war! No more deaths! Our country is at a turning point: another era is dawning for a better tomorrow. Young men and women of our beautiful country, remain peacemakers,” they say.

CECCI members implore, “May the glory of God, in this election year, be recognized in the life of every inhabitant of this country and may the challenge of the presidential election be met with serenity, peace, and love. Let us not forget that our duty is to be a model of the hope promised to humanity.”