West Africa: Much at stake in Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire elections

By a coincidence of delayed timetables, neighbouring West African countries Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire are likely to go to the polls on consecutive Sundays, starting in Cote d’Ivoire on the 31st. In both these countries, delays have raised the spectre of civil conflict, but so has the prospect of finally holding the polls, states this International Crisis Group article. 'Why is this so? The feverish atmosphere flows partly from people’s hopes, the belief that democracy can really work this time and the desire to be vigilant against spoilers. But the answer also lies at elite level – in countries where economic opportunity is overwhelmingly dependent on official office, the stakes are simply too high.'