the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (hereinafter referred to as the "ECOWAS Democracy Protocol") and consequently order the Respondent State to amend the law in question in light of its international commitments. A. CONTEXT AND FACTS OF THE MATTER 4. This matter has its origin in the adoption by the National Assembly of the State of Cote d'lvoire on 28 May 2014 of Law No. 2014-335, relating to the Independent Electoral Commission of the State of Cote d'lvoire. 5. It is noteworthy that the lvorian Electoral body was established by Edict No. 2000-551 of 9 August 2000. Prior to that date, elections were organized and managed by the State through the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Edict was subsequently amended on several occasions. 6. As indicated in Article 17 of the aforesaid Edict, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) was a transitional body with the task to organize the presidential, legislative and municipal elections of 2000. Its mandate was expected to come to an end not later than fifteen (15) days after the proclamation of the results of the municipal elections. 7. After the above elections, and pursuant to the establishment of the institutions provided by the Constitution of 1 August 2000, the Parliament, on 9 October 2001, adopted Law No. 2001-634 establishing the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). 4

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