Bouaké, 23 November 2009... The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) sensitized the people of Niakara (119 km north of Bouaké) and Botro (40 km west of Bouaké) on the need for a peaceful electoral environment, on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November 2009.

In each locality, the exchange session benefited from the participation of youth and women's organizations, traditional chiefs, political and local authorities as well as commissioners of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

UNOCI's Public Information Officer in Bouaké, Martin Kakra-Kouamé, highlighted the Mission's contribution to the electoral process by providing human, material, logistical and financial resources. He also urged the populations to promote social cohesion and to remain calm as the provisional electoral lists are posted.

Members of the local electoral commissions stressed to the population the need to keep a civic spirit during the posting of the provisional electoral lists.

The populations welcomed the sessions and made a commitment to become involved in activities to reinforce social cohesion initiated by UNOCI.