Côte d’Ivoire / SRSG hails peacekeepers’ commitment and hard work in electoral process
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 27, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d’Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, on Tuesday told participants at a conference for sector commanders of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) that the multiple challenges facing the Ivorian electoral process have been largely met thanks to the commitment and hard work of the Mission’s military force.
Outlining some of the technical and logistical challenges the Mission had to overcome, Mr. Choi said that 11.6 million voters and identity cards had been delivered to 10,013 polling sites with the help of UNOCI’s military component.
“These cards were delivered at a rate of about 1 million a day and as of yesterday, more than 80% of Ivorians have received their cards. This is a huge success and it is thanks to you. You make a difference and you should take pride in the contribution you have made,” the Special Representative told the military commanders.
Mr. Choi, warned however, that there were still major challenges to overcome, especially after the first round of the presidential elections are held on 31 October.
“Before the 31st October, our challenges have been technical and logistical, but after the first round, they will be political and security,” said the head of UNOCI.
Earlier, in his introductory remarks, UNOCI Force Commander General Abdul Hafiz said that after eight long years of crisis, the Mission had reached a defining moment. He stressed that security during the electoral period was a concern not only for Ivorians but for everyone.
“During this conference we have to identify the areas where violence is likely to occur and the appropriate action to be taken. By the time we finish everyone should know which tasks they have to perform and how to go about it,” he added.
The two-day conference at the Mission’s headquarters in Sebroko, Abidjan, is being attended by UNOCI sector commanders and their deputies. They will discuss in depth the security plan of the Impartial Forces with regard to their role in assisting the Integrated Command Centre, which has the leading role on electoral security. Participants will also focus on the Mission’s own security plans for before, during and after the election.
SOURCE
Mission of UN in Côte d’Ivoire
