Brussels, 25 October 2000, 12473/00 (Presse
396), P 162/00
1. Although the first round of the presidential
elections took place in an atmosphere of calm and the National Electoral
Commission had started publishing the first results of the election, the
Côte d'Ivoire Minister for the Interior dissolved this Commission in order
to declare General Guei's victory.
2. The European Union condemns such unacceptable methods which remove all credibility from the process of the restoration of constitutional rule.
3. The European Union deeply regrets the dissolution of the National Electoral Commission and considers it essential that it should resume its work without interference of any kind and be given the opportunity to declare the official results of the election as soon as possible.
4. The European Union calls for the choice expressed by voters to be respected. It reserves the right to take the measures made necessary in the context of its relations with the Côte d'Ivoire.