06 December 2010

Podcast on the 2010 Presidential Elections in Côte d’Ivoire

Narrator:

The provisional results of the second round of presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire held November 28th show opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara as the victor with 54.1 percent of the vote. The election has been called free and fair, open and transparent by all credible observers, and the results should stand, according to U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs William Fitzgerald.

Deputy Assistant Secretary William Fitzgerald:

First and foremost, it’s a victory for the Ivorian people.  Clearly Alassane Ouattara was their choice, is their choice to lead the country back to multiparty democracy. The United States government applauds and congratulates Alassane Ouattara on his victory. We also applaud President Gbagbo for holding these elections. The Ivorian people have waited very patiently to be able to vote again. And I think the overwhelming turnout, both in the first election as well as the second election shows you that in fact the Ivorian people have spoken.

Narrator:

According to press reports, the Ivorian Constitutional Court has rejected the declaration by the country’s electoral commission that Ouattara won the vote. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki arrived in Abidjan Sunday on behalf of the African Union to mediate.  The U.S. supports the efforts of mediators.

Fitzgerald said all credible observers, including the United Nations, have called the election free and fair. Accordingly, the constitutional court will have no grounds to change the final results.

Fitzgerald also acknowledged that the U.S.-Ivorian bilateral relationship has had difficulties over the past 10 years because of the political crisis. He said, however, that the United States has worked through a wide array of multilateral forums to try to bring Côte d’Ivoire back into the international community of democratic governments.

Deputy Assistant Secretary William Fitzgerald:

Well, I think that’s been important that the international community has been focused on this problem, this seemingly intractable situation for more than 10 years. And I think it was through not only the United Nations but also the sub-regional organization ECOWAS, as well as the African Union, who helped to break the stalemate and to move to critically important elections.

Narrator:

As President Obama said in his speech in July 2009, Africa’s future is up to Africans. And the everyday efforts to build strong institutions and vibrant civil societies are ultimately the most significant steps in building one’s own nation.

President Obama:

... Each nation gives life to democracy in its own way, and in line with its own traditions. But history offers a clear verdict: Governments that respect the will of their own people, that govern by consent and not coercion, are more prosperous, they are more stable, and more successful than governments that do not. This is about more than just holding elections. It’s also about what happens between elections. (Applause.)

Narrator:

On December 3rd, President Obama said in a statement: “I congratulate Alassane Ouattara on his victory in Côte d’Ivoire’s November 28 elections.  The Independent Electoral Commission, credible and accredited observers, and the United Nations have all confirmed this result and attested to its credibility.

Côte d’Ivoire is now at a crossroads.  I urge all parties, including incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, to acknowledge and respect this result, and to allow Côte d’Ivoire to move forward toward a peaceful, democratic future, leaving long years of conflict and missed opportunities in the past.  The international community will hold those who act to thwart the democratic process and the will of the electorate accountable for their actions.”

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