Ivorians fearing violence during or after today’s presidential election lined up for hours or crowded outside shops and market stalls for emergency supplies on Friday, just in case chaos shuts the country down.
The poll pitting Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo against his main opposition challengers Alassane Ouattara and Henri Konan Bedie is meant to resolve years of political crisis and instability following a 2002 to 2003 war that divided the West African nation.
However, most Ivorians fear street violence is almost inevitable in the short run, in a close race between bitter rivals.
Supporters of each challenger marched through the streets and cars with posters honked horns in the last campaign day.
In Gouro market, in Abidjan’s poor district of Adjame, shoppers waded through mud and slime from stall to rickety wooden stall, stocking up on rice, pasta, seasonings and meat.
ABSOLUTELY CRAMMED
“The market is absolutely crammed,” trader and student Fanny Konate said as she served a customer waving money at her. “It’s never normally like this. Everyone is terrified. They are coming to buy up everything to stock it in their homes.”
Most security officials expect any violence to fizzle out in a few days or a couple of weeks, but few Ivorians are taking any chances. Henriette Amani bought everything she could afford.
STOCKING UP
“Anything could happen in the elections, so I’m stocking up now,” she said, stuffing a plastic bag with rice and yams.
Yet many are hopeful about a poll that, while it carries a risk of violence, is also the nation’s best chance for peace.
“If things get hot, we’ll drink water and wait,” said Cecile Moboi, squeezing through the crowd. “Peace will come.”
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