Strong turnout, no incidents observed during Mauritanian...

Strong turnout, no incidents observed during Mauritanian elections
22/11/2006


[Getty Images]

Foreign observers gave Sunday's parliamentary and municipal elections in Mauritania a clean bill of health citing strong turnout and welcoming the impartiality of the military government. Reuters quoted Alain Hutchinson, head of the mission of the European Parliament, as saying on Monday (November 20th) that their "impressions are quite positive ... Everything was quite good and transparent."

Mauritania's opposition supported the observation of the international missions. "On a national level, there were not any real problems, the elections passed well with a high level of transparency. We can say that the challenge has been met ... It is a good day for democracy and a good day for Mauritania," said Mohamed Ould Maouloud, an opposition leader.

In an interview for Reuters on Tuesday, Mauritanian President Ely Ould Mohammed Vall said, "This is a new political era and a fundamental change for our country. The fact that more than 70% of citizens voted shows their commitment to change for the country and their hope for democracy."

Counting of votes is progressing slowly, with the results delayed from Tuesday to Wednesday. (AMI, Mauritanie-web, Reuters, Independent Online, DPA)