By RFIPosted on 07-01-2020Modified on 07-01-2020 at 00:47
This Monday, January 6, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara received his wishes from the constituted bodies. Starting with the diplomatic corps. The exercise often takes a political turn. It is an opportunity for foreign ambassadors to send messages. And at the start of 2020, a high-risk electoral year in Côte d'Ivoire, there was no shortage of them.
It was a newly accredited apostolic nuncio - he delivered his credentials last week - who carried the voice of the diplomatic corps. In a very political speech, Paolo Borgia did not hide a certain concern from the international community about the risks of post-electoral crisis, by insisting in particular on the Independent Electoral Commission where the significant opposition is not represented.
“ All electoral actors and partners should participate in the work of the Independent Electoral Commission, in accordance with the Constitution and international standards for elections. This will undoubtedly contribute to everyone recognizing themselves in the result and being ready to collaborate with the new head of state legitimized by the ballot box . "
But Alassane Ouattara remains adamant on this issue. " All the conditions are now met for the coming presidential election to be fair, transparent, open and peaceful, of course," said the president. Preparations for this election are proceeding normally. The law reorganizing the Independent Electoral Commission was promulgated on August 6. The 15 members of the central commission were sworn in on September 27 and the local electoral commissions were installed. "
The Ivorian president reiterated that the government will receive political parties and civil society later this month to finalize the work on the electoral code.
Presentation of the New Year's greetings from the President of the Republic to the Diplomatic Corps
The Government will continue to work, with determination, for security, the improvement of the living conditions of Ivorians and the influence of our country on the international scene. pic.twitter.com/880gLW8Mqo
During his vows to the constituted bodies, Alassane Ouattara also confirmed a revision of the Constitution in the first quarter of 2020. The Ivorian president assured that it was not a question of excluding anyone from the presidential election. There was a time there was talk of restoring the age limit of 75 years. " I have just turned 78 and I do not intend to exclude anyone, including myself ," said President Ouattara, who leaves the fuzziness over his possible candidacy .
In his speech, the Ivorian president also spoke of the security situation in West Africa, calling in particular on the big powers to give more support to the Sahel countries in the fight against terrorism in the region.
We must together win the war against this common enemy, which weakens international security and the development of our countries. In these conditions, it is urgent that the international community materialize its support for the joint force of the G5 Sahel and support the ECOWAS in the implementation of its regional plan to fight against terrorism.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara
06-01-2020 - By Pierre Pinto
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