Featured May 2011
In Cote D'Ivoire, the now President Alassane Ouattara faces the immediate challenge of addressing the aftermath of a contentious and violent post-election environment. After months of refusing requests by the international community to relinquish his office, former President Laurent Gbagbo was forced to comply with the results of the November 2010 run-off election where Ivoirians elected Ouattara president, as announced by the Independent Electoral Commission. The observation mission conducted by the Carter Center found that this historic election met international standards, giving validation to the results of the electoral process.
On invitation from Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, Carterbegan the election observation mission in Cote D'Ivoire in late 2008. After many delays leading eventually to a run-off election in November 2010, Carterdeployed ten long-term observers throughout the country in October 2010 to assess election preparations. For Election Day, the Center deployed a delegation of 50 observers to observe voting and counting. After assessment of the election process against the Constitution, electoral law, and other regional and international commitments, Carterconcluded that there was no evidence of systematic irregularities that would have a significant impact on the results of the election. Carteradditionally noted that the Constitutional Commission's annulment of partial results was legally unfounded.
In the unrest that followed the election, Cartercontinued to monitor events in Cote D'Ivoire. Carterreleased statements supporting the Independent Electoral Commission's fulfillment of its obligations to announce and accept the election results, and urged the Constitutional Commission to do so as well. Carterfurther encouraged political leaders to assist in a peaceful transition. Following continued violence and discord, Carterjoined the international community in its support of the integrity of the electoral process. Ultimately, the election of President Ouattara has been accepted in accordance with the Ivoirian people's decision in November.
Â鶹´«Ã½É«ÇéƬ's assessment of the November 2010 election in Cote D'Ivoire affirms the importance of observation of the democratic system, which was found essential in this especially controversial and historic case. The international election observation mission to Cote D'Ivoire would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners:
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