Cote d'Ivoire: UN Provides Election Equipment

Côte d'Ivoire: UN mission provides equipment for upcoming election

11 August 2008 - The United Nations mission in Côte d'Ivoire has handed over 150 electoral kits to the Government to assist in preparations for presidential elections slated for November this year.

The equipment will be used for voter identification and registration. The mission, known as UNOCI, will also assist in the recruitment and training of identification agents, as well as the rehabilitation of some 70 identification centres across the country.

The supply of the equipment marked the determination of UNOCI "to join the partners in working for the rapid launch of the identification operations, which are crucial to the preparation and organization of the elections," the Principal Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Abou Moussa, said as he handed over the equipment yesterday.

Last month the Security Council extended UNOCI's mandate by six months, stressing the importance that the much delayed presidential elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. The elections were originally supposed to have been held in 2005 in the West African country.

The 15-member panel asked the mission to provide logistical support to the national Independent Electoral Commission as it prepares for the elections.

It also called on UNOCI to continue its support of the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement, the 2007 political accord reached in neighbouring Burkina Faso that aims to reconcile Côte d'Ivoire's Government and the rebel Forces Nouvelles.

ENDS

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