Cote d’Ivoire’s elections are an opportunity for the nation to emerge from years of crisis, return to the community of democracies, and build a successful and prosperous future for all Ivoirians. The United States calls on all Ivoirian leaders to act responsibly and peacefully, to allow this future to become reality for the people of Cote d’Ivoire. In the spirit of the joint statement both candidates signed on November 27 committing to respect a peaceful process, we strongly urge the candidates to allow the tallying and reporting of results to proceed unhindered, and to honor the results when they are announced.

The hard work of democracy does not end when the votes are tallied and the winners announced. It continues in the daily effort to find common ground, govern responsibly, and strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions. The United States will continue to stand with the people of Cote d’Ivoire and support their aspirations as they move forward together.