Military

DATE=10/25/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-268398

TITLE=IVORY COAST-VIOLENCE (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT:

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Ivory Coast is bracing for what may be more violent demonstrations Wednesday, after military ruler General Robert Guei declared himself the winner in Sunday's presidential elections. V-O-A's Luis Ramirez in Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan, reports more gunfire was heard overnight in the city, where at least nine people (watch for updates) have been killed.

TEXT: Abidjan and the rest of this West African country are under a state of emergency, following widespread and bloody confrontations between demonstrators and soldiers Tuesday.

Early poll results had shown socialist Laurent Gbagbo was ahead of General Guei Monday. After halting the vote-counting, the general abruptly dissolved the National Electoral Commission - the body that was overseeing the elections - and declared himself the winner.

Mr. Gbagbo also claimed victory. He called on his supporters to protest General Guei's action.

///GBAGBO ACTUALITY IN FRENCH, IN AND UNDER///

He asked Ivorians take to the streets until General Guei backs down.

Demonstrators smashed car windows and marched toward the presidential palace in Abidjan's central business district. They chanted "Guei thief!" The protesters knocked down and burnt Guei campaign billboards that showed the general in a civilian suit, with the words: "My party is the people."

///NAT SOUND, ESTABLISH & FADE///

Heavy gunfire broke out, with troops shooting mostly into the air. Soldiers fired tear gas and beat demonstrators with clubs and whips. Some of them ripped clothes off women demonstrators, sending them running down the street in terror.

Abidjan residents awoke to find the streets littered with clothes, blood and shoes left by demonstrators as they fled.

Despite a curfew, demonstrators marched well after dark on Tuesday - singing the national anthem. Before dawn Wednesday, heavy gunfire broke out at a military camp (Akouedo) just outside Abidjan.

Mr. Gbagbo's party, the Ivorian Popular Front - or F-P-I - called on its supporters to continue their demonstrations on Wednesday. Reports say Mr. Gbagbo has gone into hiding.

///REST OPTIONAL///

Mr. Gbagbo was the only major candidate allowed to run against General Guei in elections that were meant to return the country to civilian rule following its first coup, ten months ago.

(SIGNED)

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