Summary: August 11, 2005: Elections in Côte d'Ivoire: EU support for the organisation and conduct of polling (Brussels)
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The European Commission today decided to provide its support in preparing and organising the elections to be held later this year in Côte d'Ivoire. The electoral process is a key stage on the country's road to peace and is set to culminate in the presidential elections scheduled for 30 October. The Commission's support, worth a total of €7.9 million financed from the 9th European Development Fund, forms part of European Union efforts to assist the process of national reconciliation in
Côte d'Ivoire and help the country emerge from crisis through dialogue and democracy. It will be implemented in close cooperation with the national authorities, civil society organisations and the international community, with the African Union in the role of mediator.
Marking the occasion, Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, commented: "These elections represent a crucial stage for reconciliation in the country. The European Commission will give the electoral process in Côte d'Ivoire its full support and I shall ensure that the international community does everything in its power to facilitate the return of peace to Côte d'Ivoire through democracy."
The European Union's support will cover: assistance with the display and correction of electoral rolls, training for government and civil society officials, information and electoral education campaigns, purchasing of equipment, setting up logistics and information technology systems to assist voting and process results, and the deployment of civil society observers.
Project implementation will be staggered, each phase being conditional upon compliance with certain measures or steps designed to ensure that the elections are in line with international standards for free and fair elections, in accordance with the Marcoussis and Pretoria agreements. These measures include the disarming and demobilisation of militias, restoration of the country's territorial integrity, effective reform of the Independent Electoral Commission and drawing up an electoral list
that meets with satisfaction and consensus.
This is an ambitious project that will require a strong commitment by all political forces in the country. They must therefore demonstrate a genuine desire for dialogue and reconciliation by rejecting verbal and physical violence in favour of constructive compromise.
Background
The European Union, and in particular the Commission, has closely monitored developments in the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire from the outset. The EU has provided substantial support to those affected by the violence and by poverty. The European Union remains Côte d'Ivoire's main cooperation partner and is determined to contribute significantly to the restoration of peace to the country by assisting in the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process, and supporting democratic dialogue and
respect for human rights.
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