[2] On October 31, 1960, the National Assembly of Ivory Coast adopted the constitution establishing an independent republic.
Like its French counterpart, the Ivorian constitution declares that all power derives from the people and is expressed through universal suffrage.
Articles 3 to 7 delineate the fundamental rights and principles pertaining to Ivorian citizenship: universal suffrage, popular sovereignty and equality before the law.
Significantly, in light of the government's subsequent coercive support of a single political party, Article 7 formally allows a multiparty system.
The Ivorian Constitution provides for a strong executive, although it couches the language of power in democratic terms.
Matters constitutionally excluded from the legislature's purview automatically fall within that of the executive and are dealt with either by decree or by regulation.
In fact, for most of Ivory Coast's brief history as an independent republic, nearly all legislative programs have originated with the president and have been rubber-stamped by the assembly.
[4] Following the bloodless coup of 1999, General Robert Guéï formed a government of national unity and promised open elections.
[5] Ivory Coast's constitution of the Second Republic provides for a strong presidency within the framework of a separation of powers.
[5][failed verification] The unicameral National Assembly is composed of 225 members elected by direct universal suffrage for a 5-year term concurrently with the president.
[10] Based on provisional results given by the Independent Electoral Commission on November 1, 2016, the proposed constitution was approved with 93.42% of votes.
A constitutional revision announced by Ouattara before the 2020 presidential election, confirmed the designation of the vice-president, appointed by the president with the consent of parliament.
In case of persistent disagreement between the two chambers, the president of the republic can request the assembly to adopt definitively the law.
The draft also requires the state to promote women's participation in public affairs, the modalities of implementation of which must be given effect in subsequent laws.
Furthermore, the state should act to ensure gender equality in employment and to encourage women to occupy posts of responsibilities.