Statement on Côte d'Ivoire

The Socialist International strongly condemns the violent interruption by the military authorities of the counting process of the National Electoral Commission of the Côte d'Ivoire and the attempt of General Robert Guei to retain power illegitimately.

The Socialist International declares its full support for and solidarity with the people of Côte d'Ivoire who are in the streets, at risk to their own lives, seeking to uphold the outcome of presidential elections held last Sunday.

We equally express our firm solidarity with our member party, the Côte d'Ivoire Popular Front, FPI, and its leader, Laurent Gbagbo, in his efforts to defend democratic principles and the will of the people of Côte d'Ivoire.