The African Union welcomes the smooth conduct of legislative elections in Côte d'Ivoire

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, December 14, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, has followed with great interest the holding, on December 11, 2011, of legislative elections in Côte d'Ivoire.

The Chairperson of the Commission congratulates the Ivorian people and leaders for the peaceful conduct of the elections, which is a further testimony to their commitment to work towards the consolidation of peace in Côte d'Ivoire. These elections represent a new step in the establishment of republican institutions and the process of strengthening democracy in Côte d'Ivoire.

The Chairperson of the Commission calls on the candidates to accept the outcome of the vote as an expression of the will of the Ivorian people and, should they have claims, to comply with the avenues provided for under the law.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the commitment of the AU to continue to support the Ivorian people and leaders in their efforts to consolidate peace, democracy and national reconciliation.