Etse Sikanku
This script looks familiar. Months of presidential campaigning and political mudslinging, tense general elections, a presidential run-off, contests over electoral results and finally either the disputes are resolved or civil war breaks out.
Thanks to serious challenges over voting results—mainly from the incumbent party—Ivory Coast is on the brink of civil anarchy.
Facts:
Presidential elections held on Sunday, October 31
No clear winner emerges : Gbagbo led major challenger Outtara 38 to 32
Presidential run-off held Monday November 27
Initial results show Outtara leading Gbagbo
Gbagbo’s representative at the electoral commission tears up results just as key announcement was set to be made.
This is reminiscent of the December 27th 2007 elections in Kenya where unresolved electoral disputes led to months of open war which left thousands dead, maimed or displaced.
There is growing concern that the world’s top cocoa producer might slip into political mayhem as tension increases. Major foreign news sources report that streets have been deserted and Abidjan, the country’s capitol is starting to look like a ghost town.
Currently the northern half of Ivory Coast is under rebel control while President Gbabgo controls the Southern regions. Ouattara draws support from the North where Gbabgo is currently disputing results. Earlier provisional run-off results revealed in piecemeal show Outtara is ahead of Gbagbo. The electoral commission has until midnight to declare final tallies.
In theory this will represent the first democratic elections in Ivory Coast in a decade. If the former French colony pulls through it will not only usher in a new era for one of West Africa’s most promising nations but will send strong signals of political reform in Africa. However should things turn awry it may yet confirm the worst fears of many Ivoirians: a potential return to those dark days of civil unrest.
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