Ivory Coast: The ballot fails to improve the representativeness of women in the Assembly

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Out of 254 deputies elected in Côte d'Ivoire, 32 are women. Within the hemicycle, they will represent 12.5% ​​of the total elected. Far from the figures expected after the adoption in 2019 of a law ordering political parties to present at least 30% of candidates for elected assemblies. The low representation of women in the Assembly is no surprise: none of the political parties respected the quota law.

Thirty-two women. 222 men. The 2021-2026 legislature will again be marked by a very unbalanced male-to-female ratio. Admittedly, women will be more numerous than in 2016, but the progress is minimal: they gain only two seats. It's a bitter failure comments Sylvia Apata, activist for women's rights and director of an NGO.

In 2019, a law passed by the Assembly promised to promote the political representativeness of women by establishing a quota of 30% of candidates for elected assemblies. Problem, the electoral code did not take this new law into account, so it was not respected by political parties. They fielded, on average, 14% of women candidates.

Among them, figures from the lower house: Yasmina Ouégnin in Cocody is elected for the 3rd time, back under the colors of the PDCI, 2nd re-election also for Kandia Camara in Abobo, who could however be represented by her deputy at the assembly if she retains her post as Minister of Education.

New arrivals too, Marie-Noëlle Dogui was elected RHDP MP for the constituency of Gueyo in Nawa, at just 49 years old. First term also for Eulalie Zahia and Chantal Yameogo, who are part of the EDS / PDCI list of Yopougon on which 3 women held for 6 seats.

Of the 32 women elected, 9 came from lists of more than 2 candidates. The only ones on which co-education was compulsory according to the electoral code.