Ivorian Polls: Jonathan Urges Candidates To Allow Votes Count

Nigerian President and Chairman of ECOWAS, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has urged the two candidates in the run-off presidential election in Cote d Ivoire, President Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouatara, as well as their supporters, to avoid inflammatory remarks that could instigate violence, by allowing the will of the Ivorian people prevail through their votes.    

  In a statement in Abuja today on the Ivorian elections, President Jonathan noted that the assessment of both local and international observers indicating the peaceful conduct of the run-off election so far has been encouraging, while urging the candidates to 'tone down their rhetoric and maintain the peace at this very critical stage,' before the final results are announced.

  President Jonathan also enjoined both contestants to 'subject themselves to the will of the Ivorian people by allowing the votes to be counted in a peaceful and orderly manner.'

  The President said it is imperative that the supreme interest of the people of Cote d Ivoire, who have borne the brunt of hardship these past years, be allowed to prevail at the polls, adding that Nigeria and indeed the entire member-states of ECOWAS are following the situation in Cote d Ivoire with keen interest, 'and stand ready to continue to render all necessary support to promote peace, democracy and stability in the country'.

IMA NIBORO
  Special Adviser to the President,
  Media and Publicity