Côte d'Ivoire - Gouvernement - Profil - 2001

Capitale

Yamoussoukro; note - although Yamoussoukro has been the official capital since 1983, Abidjan remains the administrative center; the US, like other countries, maintains its Embassy in Abidjan

Fête de l'Indépendance

7 Aoüt (1960) (from France)

Fête nationale

Jour De l'Indépendance, 7 Aoüt (1960)

Constitution

3 Novembre 1960; has been amended numerous times, last time 27 Juillet 1998

Suffrage - Age minimum de l'électeur

18 ans; universal

Pouvoir exécutif

chef d'état (Président): Président Laurent GBAGBO (depuis 26 October 2000); note - took power following a popular overthrow of the interim leader Gen. Robert GUEI who had claimed a dubious victory in presidential elections; Gen. GUEI himself had assumed power on 25 December 1999, following a military coup against the government of former Président Henri Konan BEDIE

chef de gouvernement (1er ministre): Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Development Affi N'GUESSAN (depuis 27 October 2000) appointed by the president

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 26 October 2000 (next is scheduled to be held NA 2005); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote - Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other 2.2%