Statement by the Spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, on second round of presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire
BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, November 25, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:
“Although the first round of presidential elections took place in peaceful conditions, the High
Representative notes with concern that the tone of the campaign for the second round is
radicalising which is not without risks. She invites the candidates, their militants and all the
political actors to take their share of the responsibility for a dignified and non violent
campaign and to respect the voters’ right to make their choice in serenity.
The High Representative notes that the election campaign rules of equal treatment for the
second round are now complied with. She encourages the Ivorian Broadcasting (RTI) to
continue to respect the basic principles of impartiality.
The High Representative also invites the Independent Election Commission (CIE) to take all
measures to make the result consolidation system public and to have the operation carried out
in a transparent way so that it will not be disputed later on. This is partly achieved by giving
observers access to all electoral operations.
The High Representative wishes that the second round takes place in peaceful conditions and
that the results are respected and do not give rise to excessive reactions.”
SOURCE
European Union
