Cote d'Ivoire's opposition demands transparent polls

The youths allied to the National Coalition for Change (CNC), a Cote d'Ivoire opposition coalition, will this Thursday organize street protests to demand for transparent elections.

The opposition youths have vowed to take over the streets and remain there until the government "adequately responds" to their concerns.

"We shall take over the streets on Sept. 10 and we shall remain there until President Alassane Ouattara responds to CNC's demands," the coalition's youth leader Abraham Dieti said on Wednesday.

Dieti expressed hope that he will be able to meet with Ouattara to discuss with him the conditions for organizing the Oct. 25 elections.

He said it had become necessary to fight to achieve ideal conditions for organizing democratic, inclusive and transparent elections.

Cote d'Ivoire is preparing to hold presidential elections which are considered to be crucial, especially after the 2010 post-election crisis that claimed at least 3,000 lives.

Some 33 candidates were registered by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). However, the Constitutional Council is expected to publish the final list of candidates on Thursday.

The opposition has raised concerns over the composition of CEI, the organ in charge of organizing elections in Cote d'Ivoire, terming it as being "biased" towards the incumbent president who is running for a second term.

In a recent speech to the nation, Cote d'Ivoire president reiterated that the country's elections in October will be transparent and peaceful. Endit