"My mission to ELECAM head office was to strengthen ties but above all, see how Cameroon's electoral body and that of Côte d'Ivoire can envisage better cooperation," the Ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire to Cameroon, Adama Dosso told reporters in Yaounde on June 20 after holding talks with ELECAM Board Chair, Samuel Fonkam Azu'u.

Exchange visits, the sharing of experience and the organisation of meetings between electoral staff are some of the areas envisaged for better ties. Côte d'Ivoire is a friendly country and the need for the two commissions to begin south-south cooperation is but normal. According to Samuel Fonkam Azu'u, it is important to learn from Côte d'Ivoire especially as the country's electoral commission does not issue cards immediately after registration, something ELECAM is working toward.

During a recent meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, both commission heads discussed ways of fostering ties and learning from each other. Adama Dosso and Samuel Fonkam Azu'u also discussed the 2010 presidential election in Côte d'Ivoire, stressing the importance of transparency and respect for the law.