U.S. congratulates Côte d’Ivoire on successful elections

U.S. officials extended congratulations to Côte d’Ivoire for the nation's peaceful Oct. 25 election.

"This election marks another important step toward overcoming conflicts of the past, with a majority of the citizens on the voting rolls exercising their democratic right to select their next president," Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby said.

Provisional results from Côte d’Ivoire’s Independent Electoral Commission showed that Alassane Ouattara scored a decisive victory in his bid for re-election as the nation's president.

"We congratulate [Ouattara]," Kirby said. "We look forward to working with the government and people of Côte d’Ivoire to consolidate our strong partnership and continue the important business of strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s governance, security and economic institutions."  

Kirby also spoke to the future, encouraging Ivorians to maintain auspicious relations.

"We encourage all political actors to renew and expand efforts to promote national reconciliation, respectful political dialogue, equitable justice and shared economic prosperity," Kirby said.