Guei victory speech

General Guei: "You had chosen me as the people's candidate"

Ivory Coast military ruler General Robert Guei broadcast a statement to the nation on Tuesday following the official announcement that he had won Sunday's presidential election. The following are excerpts of his statement, as broadcast by Ivorian radio.

"People of Ivory Coast, great Ivorian people: After 10 months of transition, from 24 December 1999 to 24 October 2000, your hour of glory has come.

"Like a single woman, like a single man, in a great impetus of dignity and solidarity, you have just elected me to head the country.

People's victory

"The elections have ended and yet, here you are standing, always shining because you are holding your victory.

A General Guei supporter wears posters on his clothes

"I am saying your victory because you amply merit these results which I dedicate to you.

"Today's success belongs to you.

"It is your victory over the cruel manoeuvres of Ivory Coast's enemies...

"I have not promised you the impossible because I am aware of your clear-sightedness and your lucidity...

"Now, we must think of the future stakes because it is not enough for a state to have a leader.

"It also needs, in particular, a national assembly that will adopt laws.

"As you have placed your unreserved confidence in me, I have no doubt that you will give me the tools to accomplish the task you have just entrusted to me by enabling me to have the number of representatives necessary for conducting my policy in parliament.

Promises

"On this blessed day of 24 October when the Second Republic now has an executive arm of government, I would have liked to solemnly confirm to you, my dear countrymen, the major highlights of my policy, but which have been explained extensively.

General Guei: campaigning before the elections

"Suffice it to remind you that I will work relentlessly to strengthen the rule of law, for the improvement of the lot of the poorest, for the revival of the Ivorian economy, as well as for the safety of persons and property.

"I will be the ally of the weak against the mightiest, and I shall gear my actions towards enabling everyone to live well in our beautiful country...

"Before all my supporters, I had stated that my adversaries of yesterday would be of great help to me in improving government's activities.

"I am emphasising that nobody will be excluded if he comes in the name of the interest of Ivory Coast which needs the brains of all its sons and daughters in order to lead it towards its new destiny.

Appeal

"To all the people whose political commitment kept them away from the polling stations, I am making an appeal for reconciliation and for concord.

"The temporary misunderstandings must not lead to the division of our dear Ivory Coast, which is not of any tribe, religion, but belongs to all its sons.

"We must unite as President Houphouet-Boigny recommended to us...

"Let there be peace in our land of hospitality.

"Long live the Second Republic. Long live Ivory Coast."