Côte d'Ivoire: Conduct election in ‘a peaceful manner’ – UN chief

31 Octobre 2020

New York, US, October 31 (Infosplusgabon) - As voting begins in Côte d'Ivoire on Saturday in a controversial presidential election, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called on all Ivorians to ensure that the polls are “conducted in a peaceful manner”.

Ivorians are voting in an election that is laden with tension over 78-year-old incumbent President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to run for a third term after having gone on record as saying that he would step down after two terms.

He decided to run after his chosen heir, Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, died suddenly on 8 July.

As protesters demonstrate up and down the country, the two main opposition parties are calling for a boycott on the grounds that the incumbent’s bid to run is unconstitutional.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the UN chief has urged all political and opinion leaders and their supporters to “refrain from inciting violence, spreading misinformation and using hate speech”.

Moreover, he strongly encouraged political leaders and their parties to “resolve any disputes that may arise through dialogue”.

Mr. Guterres reiterated the UN’s commitment to support the country’s efforts in consolidating democratic gains and national cohesion and advocated that the authorities, including the security forces, “provide a safe and secure environment and to protect and uphold human rights throughout the electoral process”.

Côte d'Ivoire is the largest economy of French-speaking Africa.

In addition to Mr. Ouattara, on the ballot is Aimé Henri Konan Bédié, 86, who was ousted in the country’s first coup in 1999 but remains the President of the nation’s Democratic Party-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA).

Also running are former Prime Minister Pascal Affi N'Guessan, 67, President of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), and independent candidate Kouadio Konan Bertin, 51, a former member of parliament who was ousted from the PDCI when he threw his hat in the ring.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a 90-member observer mission for the presidential election.

About 15 people have been killed in widespread protests.

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