UNOCI and Ivorian Election Commission organize luncheon-debate on security of forthcoming elections

The Security Sector Reform (SSR) division of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Wednesday 8 October 2014 oganised its monthly luncheon-debate in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation on the theme: Security and elections. Participants included members of civil society, parliament and NGOs involved in electoral matters.

The deputy head of UNOCI's SSR division, Ibrahim Moussa recalled that the purpose of the luncheon-debates was to "boost every effort towards peace and stability in Cote d'Ivoire through the rule of law and democratic governance." He also expressed gratitude to the Friedrich Ebert Foundation for its solid partnership with UNOCI and for its support of security sector reform in Cote d'Ivoire by facilitating fruitful discussions on themes that are of interest to political parties, civil society, security and defense forces and the media.

"UNOCI supports the electoral process and initiates debates aimed at providing answers to stakeholders' concerns over matters of election security and assesses the technical, military and communication needs of the elections," the representative of Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Martin Gohr said.
The 1st Vice-President of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), Sourou Kone who conducted the debate said the new CEI membership of 17 I had taken into account all the socio-political components. "The concerns of Ivorians are understandable as they have just emerged from a serious crisis. But it is our place in the CEI to reassure you through education and sensitization. It is important that our mission respond to the expectations of Ivorians on the eve of the elections," he stressed.

Regarding the issue of security, the Vice-President said the state will put at the disposal of the CEI the required men and women to enable candidates carry out their campaigns in a peaceful environment. The support of the UN is also expected.

Mr. Kone said the feasibility work has started and even if the time appears to be short, the deadlines are acceptable. "Our performance will be judged by our ability to respect the timelines. We have already elaborated all the stages of the electoral process," he reassured.

Regarding the composition of the CEI and the return to the Commission of members of the opposition, Mr. Kone was reassuring while admitting that the CEI cannot function solely on the basis of a government decree. He pointed out that the National Assembly would have to pass a law that would be enacted by the Head of State in order for the institution to actually go to work. "We think and believe every Ivorian, irrespective of political affiliation, ought to participate in the organization of the elections," he said.

Concerning the financing of the elections, Mr. Kone said organizing polls required more will than means. He disclosed that the CEI has already begun work even before the availability of finances from partners. He launched an appeal to his compatriots: "Ivorians should have confidence in the CEI and should tell themselves that the CEI is made up of Ivorians who also experienced the crisis like everyone else but who have the responsibility to organise the elections. And that they would do all to make the elections peaceful, free, and transparent." he promised.