therefore finds that the Application complies with Rule 50(2)(d) of the
Rules.6
35. As regards the requirement of exhaustion of local remedies, the Court
recalls that it has consistently held that the remedies to be exhausted in
order to comply with the requirement of Rule 50(2)(e) of the Rules are
judicial remedies,7 unless these are unavailable, ineffective and insufficient
or the procedure is unduly prolonged.8
36. The Court notes that, in matters relating to disputes concerning registration
on the voters’ register in the Respondent State, any interested person may
seize the IEC to challenge its decision. if not satisfied with the IEC’s
decision, the interested person may file an appeal before the Abidjan CFI
which is the court of last instance, in accordance with Article 12(8) of the
Ivorian Electoral Code.
37. The Court observes that after the Applicant was informed that his name had
been removed from the voters’ register, he lodged a complaint with the IEC
on 4 August 2020, challenging the removal of his name from the register.
According to the Applicant, the IEC, declared the request inadmissible by
decision of 18 August 2020.
38. The Court notes that on 20 August 2020, the Applicant appealed the said
decision before the Abidjan CFI which, by Ruling No. RG 3S05/2020 of 25
August 2020, dismissed his appeal.
39. The Court observes that under Article 12 of Ordinance No. 2020-356 of 8
April 2020 revising the Electoral Code, the Abidjan CFI is the court of last
resort in electoral matters. Accordingly, the Applicant exhausted local
remedies insofar as the judgment of the Abidjan Court of First Instance is
not subject to appeal.
6 Patrice and Sylla v. Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, supra, § 55.
7 Fory v. Côte d’Ivoire, supra, § 47.
8 Ibid.
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