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Holding their breath

Both contenders will have to ensure the results of the coming elections are accepted by all, if they are to mark an end to the civil war

The most critical point about the second round of the presidential election on 21 November, said a veteran Ivorian politician, is not who wins but getting everyone to accept the result. The political map remains regionally divided and the election will be decided by the supporters of Henri Konan Bédié, who was knocked out in the first round, having come third with 25.2% of votes cast. In the north, clearly Alassane Dramane Ouattara (ADO) will win while President Laurent Gbagbo will take the Bete vote in the west and many votes in Abidjan, the commercial capital. But how many electors will abstain and what impact that may have is unknown. So far, there have been only isolated incidents of voter intimidation but that could worsen over the coming days....

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Free article preview

Holding their breath

Both contenders will have to ensure the results of the coming elections are accepted by all, if they are to mark an end to the civil war

end of free article preview

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