Présidentielle 2015 : "Face aux électeurs" avec le candidat Alassane Ouattara - L'intégrale

Introduction to the Presidential Election in Côte d'Ivoire

Overview of the Election Context

• The presidential election in Côte d'Ivoire is scheduled for October 25, with ten candidates approved by the Constitutional Council.

• Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, representing RHDP (Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix), is seeking re-election.

Format of the Broadcast

• The program consists of three parts: an introductory speech by the candidate, a Q&A session with journalists, and a concluding discussion.

• This event marks Alassane Ouattara as the first candidate to appear before voters in this election cycle.

Candidate's Opening Remarks

Reflection on Past Mandate

• Ouattara expresses gratitude for being able to address his fellow citizens again as a presidential candidate after his previous term.

• He recalls that the 2010 election was significant for democracy in Africa, highlighting its peaceful nature despite challenges.

Achievements During First Term

• Emphasizes that elections have historically been well-managed in Côte d'Ivoire since independence in 1960.

• Discusses inheriting a country in disarray due to poor governance from his predecessor and post-electoral crises.

Economic Recovery Efforts

Key Priorities and Investments

• Outlines a program aimed at improving living conditions and creating jobs, particularly for youth amid high unemployment rates.

• Highlights achievements such as restoring peace and security across regions previously affected by conflict.

Infrastructure Improvements

• Reports improvements in public services like water supply, electricity distribution, education, and healthcare during his tenure.

Vision for Second Term

Goals Moving Forward

• Seeks re-election to continue enhancing living standards and addressing gender issues while promoting national reconciliation.

Commitment to Governance

• Aims to build a modern state based on rule of law where all citizens can thrive together harmoniously.

Transitioning to Journalist Questions

Accountability and Self-reflection

• Responding to questions about self-assessment as president; he emphasizes ongoing reflection on whether he meets citizen expectations.

Justice and Human Rights Focus

Commitment to Justice Reform

• Stresses that ensuring justice is fundamental for democracy; plans include making justice accessible and independent from political influence.

Electoral Integrity Measures

Ensuring Transparent Elections

• Discusses implementing biometric systems for voter registration aimed at preventing fraud during elections.

Addressing Concerns About Electoral Commission

Composition of Electoral Commission

Highlights balanced representation within the Independent Electoral Commission involving both government and opposition members along with civil society representatives.

Future Legal Framework Developments

Plans for Judicial Infrastructure

• Mentions plans for establishing a legal city in Yamousoukro which will centralize judicial functions as part of broader reforms.

Acceleration of Government Actions

Commitment to Modernization

• The speaker emphasizes the need for faster progress in government actions, indicating satisfaction with the World Bank's support but a desire for more rapid improvements.

Administrative Reforms

• Discussion on modernizing public administration includes limiting the number of districts and regions through legislation, aiming for a balanced approach rather than arbitrary changes.

Regional Development Considerations

• The speaker notes that certain regions may become wealthier due to natural resources, advocating for flexibility in administrative divisions based on evolving realities rather than rigid constitutional constraints.

Governance and Accountability

Public Financial Management

• Acknowledgment of poor accountability regarding public funds; calls for improved transparency so citizens understand tax usage.

Strengthening Oversight Institutions

• Introduction of a Supreme Court Chamber of Accounts that had not reported since 1998 is now being revitalized to ensure better management oversight.

Institutional Reforms

Establishing a Cour des Comptes

• Proposal to transform the Chamber of Accounts into a full-fledged Cour des Comptes with real powers starting January next year, enhancing its ability to audit public finances effectively.

Audit Findings and Actions

• Recent audits revealed significant issues in public sector management; plans are underway to reduce the number of public enterprises based on these findings.

Political Financing Reform

Funding Political Parties

• Implementation of stricter laws governing political party financing aims to separate state funds from party resources, ensuring fairer distribution based on fiscal revenues rather than external aid.

Support for Election Candidates

• New provisions allow candidates access to funding earlier in their campaigns, addressing inequities faced by those without sufficient financial backing during elections.

Security and Stability

Current Security Landscape

• The speaker reassures citizens about national security despite regional instability; highlights effective management of local disturbances labeled as "microbes."

Ongoing Security Measures

• Emphasis on maintaining peace through proactive measures and community engagement while recognizing past challenges related to youth disenfranchisement.

Building a Cohesive National Defense

Unification Efforts in Military Structure

• Focus on creating a unified republican army capable of defending national integrity while participating in international peacekeeping missions.

Respecting Human Rights within Forces

• Commitment to instilling respect for human rights among security forces, emphasizing dignity during arrests and interactions with civilians.

Economic Growth Strategies

Economic Performance Overview

• The government reports an impressive average economic growth rate exceeding 9% since 2012, attributing this success to sound macroeconomic policies.

Industrialization Goals

• Plans are set forth for industrializing agriculture by increasing local processing capabilities, particularly in cocoa production aimed at transforming half or more domestically produced cocoa by 2020.

Supporting Local Enterprises

Empowering Small Businesses

• Initiatives are underway to enhance opportunities for Ivorian-owned businesses within government contracts while fostering partnerships between large firms and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises).

This structured summary captures key discussions from the transcript while providing timestamps linked directly back to specific moments in the video content.

Discussion on Economic Development and Support for SMEs

Current State of SMEs

• The speaker reflects on their presidency, noting that they inherited a situation with minimal support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

• Measures have been taken to improve fiscal conditions and encourage banks to provide better financing options for SMEs.

• Emphasis is placed on the need for fair participation in public tenders, avoiding corrupt practices like "gré à gré" (direct negotiations).

Encouragement of Local Entrepreneurs

• A preference will be given to Ivorian companies in public contracts if they are within 5-10% of foreign competitors' bids.

• The threshold for public procurement has been raised from 30 million to 100 million, aiming to facilitate SME participation.

Success Stories and Job Creation

• A personal anecdote about a young entrepreneur who started with a small loan illustrates the potential of SMEs in job creation.

• The speaker highlights that SMEs create more jobs than larger companies due to less complex management structures.

Government Initiatives Supporting Young Entrepreneurs

Financial Support Programs

• The government aims to support young entrepreneurs through financial programs, including loans from youth employment agencies.

Call for Engagement

• Young entrepreneurs are encouraged to communicate their needs directly with relevant ministries, emphasizing accessibility and responsiveness from the government.

Agricultural Development and Land Issues

Importance of Land Management

• Discussion shifts towards rural land issues, highlighting the need for clear land demarcation as part of agricultural modernization efforts.

Progress on Agricultural Commitments

• The speaker acknowledges challenges faced due to past conflicts but expresses satisfaction with ongoing agricultural reforms.

Economic Growth Through Agriculture

Revenue Generation from Cocoa Production

• Significant revenue generated from cocoa production is noted, indicating successful economic policies benefiting farmers.

National Self-Sufficiency Goals

• Plans are outlined to increase domestic rice production significantly over two years while maintaining some imports during low seasons.

Health Care Access Improvements

Commitment to Healthcare Quality

• The speaker emphasizes the goal of providing quality healthcare access across all regions regardless of socio-economic status.

Addressing Life Expectancy Concerns

• Statistics reveal concerns regarding life expectancy; however, improvements since taking office are highlighted as promising indicators.

Infrastructure Developments in Health Sector

Investment in Healthcare Facilities

• Ten hospitals have been constructed within four years as part of health sector improvements.

Response Preparedness

• Assurance is given regarding preparedness against health crises like Ebola, stressing transparency and responsibility in health governance.

Education System Enhancements

Focus on Quality Education

• There’s an ambition expressed for providing quality education that prepares youth for competitive job markets.

Challenges Faced by Universities

• Issues related to inadequate facilities at universities are acknowledged alongside plans for improvement.

Conclusion: Ongoing Efforts Needed

• Continuous emphasis is placed on improving education systems as vital for future national development.

Côte d'Ivoire's Economic Progress and Social Issues

Financial Situation of Ivoirians

• The candidate reflects on the phrase "money works," questioning if it has truly benefited the Ivorian people financially.

• He discusses the increase in cocoa prices, noting that farmers' earnings have risen from 500 to 1000 francs since October.

• Highlights salary increases for civil servants after a long period without raises, emphasizing improvements in minimum wage across sectors.

Investment and Economic Growth

• Reports an increase in investment rates from below 10% to significant levels, with a budget of 5800 billion CFA.

• Encourages Ivorians to save money for better education and healthcare, stressing the importance of savings over mere consumption.

Cocoa Industry Transformation

• Discusses the need for increased cocoa processing, currently at only 33%, aiming for higher industrialization levels.

• Acknowledges competition with large firms abroad but insists on defending Ivorian interests as elected by the citizens.

Gender Equality and Women's Rights

Addressing Gender Inequality

• The candidate emphasizes women's representation in society, noting their significant electoral power yet limited societal roles.

• Discusses strategies to reduce gender inequalities through legal reforms and political representation.

Legal Reforms for Women

• Advocates for equal rights within marriage laws, highlighting past challenges faced when proposing gender equality measures.

• Commits to increasing women's political representation while acknowledging gradual progress towards parity.

Support Initiatives for Women

Financial Support Programs

• Introduces a fund supporting over 100,000 women entrepreneurs, impacting up to one million individuals indirectly.

• Plans to increase funding annually to enhance women's economic empowerment further.

Commitment to International Standards

• Stresses adherence to international agreements promoting gender equality while focusing on practical implementation rather than just ratification.

National Unity and Reconciliation Efforts

Promoting Social Cohesion

• The candidate reflects on his efforts toward national reconciliation since taking office, emphasizing its deep-rooted nature beyond mere policies.

Justice and Victim Compensation

• Addresses justice issues post-conflict; assures victims will receive compensation while maintaining judicial integrity without interference.

Vision for an "Ivoirien Nouveau"

Defining New National Identity

• Describes an "Ivoirien nouveau" as someone responsible and model-like within their community—emphasizing discipline and hard work.

Future Aspirations

• Urges citizens to adopt forward-thinking attitudes about national development over the next decades while fostering ambition among youth.

This structured summary captures key discussions from the transcript regarding economic growth, social issues like gender inequality, reconciliation efforts post-conflict, and aspirations for a new national identity in Côte d'Ivoire.