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Cote d'Ivoire's army chief appeals for peaceful elections

Xinhua, October 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

Cote d'Ivoire's Chief of General Staff Gen. Soumaila Bakayoko on Tuesday urged political actors in the country and members of the public to ensure the forthcoming presidential elections are peaceful.

"It is important for all actors to ensure the elections are violence-free. An election is not a war. It is just about choosing freely the person who we believe can lead the country," Bakayoko said during a meeting between civilian, military and community leaders in the central-western region of Gagnoa.

The general equally warned anyone who may be planning to prevent others from going to vote.

"Everyone should accomplish his civic duty without any constraints," he said, adding that security forces were ready to provide maximum security during the polls.

Cote d'Ivoire will this coming Sunday hold its presidential election in which ten candidates, including incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, are contesting.

The Oct. 25 elections are considered crucial for restoration of lasting peace in the country after the 2010-2011 post-election violence that left at least 3,000 people dead. Enditem