Côte d’Ivoire says it will self-finance its 2025 presidential elections, breaking away from a long-standing reliance on international donors. The government plans to allocate over 55 billion CFA francs—about 0.4% of the national budget—to cover all election-related costs.

Spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly described the move as a bold step toward national sovereignty in managing democratic affairs. This includes funding voter register updates and purchasing election materials independently.

But not everyone is convinced. Opposition voices warn the shift could be a ploy to reduce foreign oversight and transparency during the vote.

It remains unclear whether international observers, especially from the EU, will be invited to monitor either the 2025 presidential or the 2026 legislative elections.