OPEN TO ALL?

Ivorian poll to be 'open to all.'

South Africa's President Mbeki has been mediating in the crisis.

South African President Thabo Mbeki has urged Ivory Coast's leader to ensure the presidential election this year is open to all. Mr Mbeki's statement which was read out on television appeared to call for main opposition leader Alassane Ouattara to be allowed to run in the October poll.
Rebels in control of the north of the country have made approval of Mr Ouattara's candidature a key demand. Mr Mbeki was asked by the African Union to mediate between the two sides.
Although a peace deal was agreed between Ivorian government forces and rebels at the talks in Pretoria last week, the issue of presidential eligibility was not resolved. Mr Ouattara was stopped from running for president in 2000 on the grounds that his parents were not both Ivorian.
This is a victory for us and especially a victory for the people of the Ivory Coast. The question of who can run for the presidency is seen as key to peace being achieved. Desire Tagro quoted Mr Mbeki's letter as saying that the Ivorian constitutional council - made up of judges - should confirm the eligibility of candidates of political parties that signed the French-brokered peace deal in 2003. That would include Mr Ouattara's RDR party.
Mr Mbeki has reportedly called on President Laurent Gbagbo to make the ruling law.