Abidjan, 28 September 2009...The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Monday, started the removal and transportation of heavy and sensitive electoral equipment, stocked in Abidjan port, destined for the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) warehouses in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro.

The equipment, acquired by IEC through funding from donors, consisted of 76 containers comprising ballot boxes, polling booths and kits.

"This operation shows once again the availability of everybody to create the conditions for an efficient management of the electoral process and is an important step in the implementation of UNOCI's logistical programme of support and accompaniment", said the chief of the Electoral Assistance Division, Ahmedou El Becaye Seck.

The transport operation for the electoral equipment will last two days with regard to Abidjan and will involve 37 containers. From the economic capital, UNOCI will help with the distribution of the equipment in polling stations in the south and east of the country when the time comes. The IEC's warehouse in Yamoussoukro, will receive the remaining containers starting from 1st October 2009 and the distribution of equipment will essentially be made in the northwest.

About ten tow trucks have been mobilized by UNOCI and are making the trips between Abidjan port and the IEC's storage centre under the escort of the Special Jordanian Police Force (FPU).

UNOCI's logistical support follows a request from the IEC for help with the removal and transportation of the electoral equipment in Abidjan Port. It is part of the Mission's logistical support to IEC in an effort to consolidate the progress in the electoral process.