On Sunday, 31 October, the first round of the presidential elections took place in Ivory Coast.

The EU, in a statement of HR/VP Catherine Ashton, welcomed the conduct of the elections and congratulated the numerous participation of voters.

These election represent a fundamental step towards ending the crisis and an important element in the consolidation of democracy in Côte d'Ivoire.

The European Union is closely following the election cycle since it dedicated a technical and financial support of 40 million Euros.

As part of its commitment to support the conduct of these elections, the EU also deployed an Election Observation Mission, headed by MEP Cristian Preda, who has made important recommendations to improve the election procedures.

Catherine Ashton also called on the candidates, the authorities and the Independent Electoral Commission to act responsibly, to ensure transparency of the election process and to respect the will of the Ivorian voters.

She also appealed to the Constitutional Council to make every effort to ensure that the final election results are known as soon as possible and in full compliance with the procedures for dealing with complaints.

Read the full declaration.