Consolidating peace, security, democracy, integration and stability remain key stakes of the October 25, 2015 presidential election.

The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations Organization to Côte d’Ivoire, Aichatou Mindaoudou in a recent interview granted Jeune Afrique summed up the major stakes of the October 25, 2015 presidential election by saying that it would be good for the election to take place within the stipulated calendar and more importantly be inclusive, democratic and accepted by all.

The declaration certainly took into account the volatile peace, security and stability situation of the country orchestrated by the 2010 post- presidential election violence that claimed around 3,000 lives and sow the seeds of hatred and strive. As the authorities, political parties, development partners and international community prepare for the October 2015 election; they must bear in mind the following key stakes.

Peace and Development

Aichatou Mindaoudou, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General reportedly told Jeune Afrique that as she toured the country, the aspirations of the population to peace and development featured as priority. The population, the UN official noted, is out to turn a new page in the country’s ten years of political crisis and focus on integration, peace and harmony that are conditions sine qua non to development.

Consolidating Security

The security situation in Cote d’Ivoire, UN officials say, is calm but remains unpredictable.  The Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration process of former combatants, reports say is almost 80 per cent complete. However, there is continued existence of armed elements linked to followers of former President Laurent Gbagbo, as well as non-registered military elements and large quantities of weapons and material that remain unaccounted for.  

Cristian Barros Melet, Chair of 1572 Sanctions Committee and head of UN experts in Côte d’Ivoire made the declaration at the UN Security Council. The April 2015 report of UN Group of Experts on Côte d’Ivoire also identified a regional network of radical pro-Gbagbo elements planning to destabilize the country and likely receiving funding from senior politicians linked to the former regime. Reports equally say that in early June 2015, the Liberian Senate began investigating claims that more than 200 well-trained Ivoirians were camped in the heavily forested border region thereby posing a threat of staging possible attacks in Côte d’Ivoire.

Equitable Justice

The election will be taking place when former President Laurent Gbagbo will likely still be at the International Criminal Court to face trial on charges of crimes against humanity committed during the 2010 post-election violence.  In  order not to enflame more hearts and complicate the political dialogue and reconciliation process, authorities have to ensure an equitable prosecution of all those found guilty of committing war crimes and atrocities during the post-elections violence irrespective of whether they are of the opposition or ruling party. In all, government, political parties and partners should commit themselves to work for credible, transparent, open and inclusive October 2015 election that is determinant in shaping the future of Côte d’Ivoire.