Ambassador Davis Ba’s remark on the signing ceremony for the Code of Good Conduct. for Political Parties, Political Groups, and Candidates for Elections in Côte d’Ivoire
May 4, 2023, Espace Latrille Events, II Plateaux Vallon, Abidjan
Honorable Minister of State, Minister of Defence,Honorable Minister of Interior and Security;
Mr. President of the Independent Electoral Commission;
Distinguished Central Commissioners of the CEI;
Ladies and Gentlemen, Presidents of Institutions;
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Ambassadors and Heads of Cooperation;
Ladies and Gentlemen, leaders and representatives of political parties; and political groups, and candidates for municipal and regional elections;
Madame USAID Country Director;
Mr. Resident Director of the National Democratic Institute;
Ladies and gentlemen, representing international technical partners;
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the Code of Conduct Observatory;
Ladies and gentlemen representatives of civil society;
Ladies and gentlemen journalists;
Distinguished guests;
All protocol observed;
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to take part in today’s ceremony — the signing of the Code of Good Conduct for political parties and political groups and candidates for the elections in Côte d’Ivoire.
The United States Government, through USAID, is proud to partner with this important Ivoirian-led initiative. Indeed, one of our objectives is to support the promotion of democratic governance, human rights, and political and civil freedoms so that all the people of Côte d’Ivoire can benefit. Since 2011, the United States has invested more than $80 million in the democracy, human rights and governance sector.
An important portion of this money has gone to the National Democratic Institute, which works alongside the inter-party democratic elections dialogue group, to support political and electoral processes that are inclusive of all political actors in Côte d’Ivoire.
Ladies and gentlemen of the political class,
Today’s ceremony is an important milestone for Côte d’Ivoire. It is representative of all of your hard work to encourage free, fair, and peaceful future elections. At its simplest form, any election requires a commitment by stakeholders who play by the rules, support the process, and reject any effort to undermine that process. Today, we hope that the Code of Good Conduct, which you are about to sign, will serve both as a guide and a symbol of your commitment to the people of Côte d’Ivoire and democracy. This invites you to reaffirm your specific commitments to respect the fundamental human rights of women, young people, minorities and people living with disabilities. It is also an ethical pledge. A pledge to accept the verdict of the ballot box, respect the rules of the electoral process, and, above all, to encourage peaceful elections.
Dear Civil Society Friends,
You play an integral role in advancing democratic governance in Côte d’Ivoire. I encourage you to help keep the signatories accountable for successful implementation of the Code of Good Conduct, especially as the country approaches regional and municipal elections.
As in years past, continue to raise awareness of the Code of Good Conduct so that the people of Côte d’Ivoire better understand their political and civil rights.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today is a beautiful example of the close collaboration and commitment of all our partners to advance democracy. Allow me to warmly thank the President of the Independent Electoral Commission and his collaborators for their steadfast determination.
I would also like to recognize the commitment of political parties and independent candidates for their active involvement in the development and future implementation of the Code of Good Conduct.
I address my sincere congratulations to the National Democratic Institute, through the inter-party democratic elections dialogue group for organizing this important initiative.
Finally, I would like to end my remarks by reiterating the United States’ dedication to our partnership with Côte d’Ivoire. Your success is our success, and our success is yours. We are together!
Thank you.