Panafrican News Agency

Constitutional reform planned for the first quarter of 2020 in Côte d'Ivoire

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (PANA) - A constitutional reform will take place during the first quarter of 2020, the Ivorian President, Alassane Ouattara, announced on Monday in his New Year message to to diplomats and constituted bodies.

President Ouattara said, while exchanging greetings with Senators, that he will propose to Parliament (National Assembly and Senate) a draft amendment to the Constitution.

He said that the constitutional reform is not aimed at rejecting anyone's candidacy for the October 2020 presidential election.

"Everyone will be able to be a candidate. Including myself," President Ouattara assured.

In his New Year message to Ivorians, President Ouattara said discussions will be held between the Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, and leaders of political parties and civil society organisations to finalise the drafting of the new electoral code.

He added: "Yes, like 2015, the year 2020 will be a peaceful election year. I promise you that. You can trust me".

The current Constitution, which established the Third Republic, was adopted by referendum in October 2016 and promulgated on 8 November of the same year.

-0- PANA BAL/IS/MTA/VAO 6Jan2020