The accumulation of positions within the Ivorian political apparatus, a predominant phenomenon in the new Ivorian government unveiled on October 17, 2023, raises questions about its legitimacy and its consequences.
The light at the definition given by Larousse, a position represents not only a job but also a place where a specific activity is carried out. However, in Côte d’Ivoire, this notion is evolving towards a complex reality: that of accumulation, where ministers simultaneously occupy positions such as mayors, deputies, presidents of regional councils, thus establishing a phenomenon of “cumulards”.
A quick mathematical count highlights the extent of this practice. Of the 33 ministers in office, 75.75% hold at least one other elective function, namely the mandate of deputy. Even more striking, 48.48% of them occupy two distinct elective positions, ranging from town hall to regional council. This trend, illustrated by the Prime Minister himself, who holds the post of deputy mayor, raises questions about compliance with the legislation in force.
Composition of the Ivorian government of October 17, 2023
© Presidency of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
What does the law say about multiple positions?
The Ivorian law on the accumulation of positions, governed by organic law no. 2014-125 of February 14, 2014, explicitly prohibits the accumulation of certain local executive functions with the mandate of deputy or senator. Article 23 of Chapter 7 of the electoral code underlines this incompatibility, listing the functions excluded from cumulation, in particular the members of the Constitutional Council, the independent electoral commission, and ministerial cabinets.
Concrete examples, such as the departure of Kandia Camara, appointed president of the Senate, and Zoro Epiphane Ballo, appointed president of the High Authority for Good Governance, illustrate how this legislation influences appointments and replacements within the government. However, this phenomenon can become a complex trap, where substitutes, while maintaining limited influence, remain dependent on the decisions of the incumbent.
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Kandia Camara speaking during a joint press conference with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, following their meeting in Ankara on March 15, 2022 (Illustrative image).
© ADEM ALTAN / AFP
A complicated trap: the challenges of the replacement
The accumulation of positions, in addition to raising legal questions, maintains a vicious circle where the loyalty of the replacement is crucial to preserve their status. Indeed, no one has the gift of ubiquity (being everywhere at once) despite technological advances. So, to maintain his influence within the political apparatus, some go so far as to exert pressure on the substitute. This game of musical chairs maintains the shadow of the incumbent even after his departure, his ex-collaborators remaining his eyes and his ears.
The declaration of heritage established by the State of Côte d’Ivoire has not yet reached cruising speed. According to the Habg, around 20% of taxable persons have not fulfilled this constitutional obligation.
“So that we cannot abuse power, it is necessary that, through the arrangement of things, power stops power,” concludes Montesquieu beautifully.
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