From Reuters (read full story here):
“At least five people died during clashes on election day in Ivory Coast, officials said on Sunday, as President Alassane Ouattara seeks a third term in office that his opponents say is illegal.
“The country was spared the kind of widespread violence that many feared would erupt during voting on Saturday, but the atmosphere remained tense ahead of partial results expected on Sunday.
“Opponents of 78-year-old Ouattara say the constitution limits presidents to two terms, and that his bid risks shattering the fragile peace since a civil war killed 3,000 people in 2010-11. The tensions caused by his candidacy could also erode the economic gains that have made Ivory Coast one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, they say.”
From Wikipedia (read full article here):
“The presidential elections that should have been organized in 2005 were postponed until November 2010. The preliminary results announced independently by the president of the Electoral Commission from the headquarters of Ouattara due to concern about fraud in that commission. They showed a loss for Gbagbo in favour of former prime minister Alassane Ouattara.
“The ruling FPI contested the results before the Constitutional Council, charging massive fraud in the northern departments controlled by the rebels of the New Forces. These charges were contradicted by United Nations observers (unlike African Union observers). The report of the results led to severe tension and violent incidents.
“The Constitutional Council, which consisted of Gbagbo supporters, declared the results of seven northern departments unlawful and that Gbagbo had won the elections with 51% of the vote – instead of Ouattara winning with 54%, as reported by the Electoral Commission. After the inauguration of Gbagbo, Ouattara—who was recognized as the winner by most countries and the United Nations—organized an alternative inauguration. These events raised fears of a resurgence of the civil war; thousands of refugees fled the country.”
Of course, this could never happen here in America, thank God.
Photo: Voting line in Ivory Coast
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