A/HRC/23/38 participation of the FPI, in addition to being regrettable in principle, signals an urgent need for an inclusive, democratic multiparty system based on the existence and strength of democratic political parties. Although a number of parties aligned themselves with traditional parties after the results were announced, the rise of the independents at these elections can be considered an indicator of the country’s renascent democracy and the dynamic political reconstruction of its political parties. The violence between the coalition parties in power illustrates this political reconstruction, but also the prevalence of a culture of violence that could weaken the gains made in terms of institutional democracy. Partisan interference by some area commanders carrying out the security functions of the State during the election process, although infrequent, illustrates the need for greater vigilance in order to guarantee the political neutrality of the apparatus of State, particularly regarding security. B. Security situation 16. With the exception of large-scale attacks on State security institutions, the Independent Expert noted a slight improvement in the country’s security situation. Acts of violence in Abidjan are generally confined to petty crime. However, attacks on property are increasing in the communes of Cocody and Yopougon, accounting for 50 per cent of robberies in Abidjan, with an average of four or five per day. The murders reported are carried out using combat weapons that probably originated in the post-election conflict. 17. The FRCI continue to engage in activities that should be the preserve of the police and the Gendarmerie, again raising doubts about their training, integration and conversion to a truly republican armed force. The dozos, or traditional hunters, remain determined to replace the existing authorities. However, the absence of significant acts of violence by the dozos during the regional and local elections shows how much progress has been made through the Government’s policy of restoring the dozos to their cultural role and traditional territories. This trend should be bolstered not only by prosecuting proven acts of violence but also by a national strategy to make legal provision for traditional cultural institutions. The presence of armed groups in protected forests makes for continuing insecurity. The delicate question of the link between rural land and ethnicity only exacerbates the perception of a lack of security, a perception confirmed by numerous reports received by the Independent Expert regarding the occupation on appropriation of large tracts of land, to the detriment of local communities. This sensitive question should be dealt with urgently in political, legal and cultural circle in accordance with a number of principles, namely the overriding importance of coexistence and reconciliation, the democratic inclusion of the communities concerned and the prosperity of all through the overall growth of the Ivorian economy. 18. The Independent Expert has received information indicating that hold-ups and roadblocks have decreased considerably, but have not been completely eradicated. The risk is greater in some regions of the country, such as the western region near the border with Liberia, which remains a major security challenge for the authorities. However, these threats are no longer likely to destabilize the State. 19. The authorities have informed the Independent Expert of the various measures that are being taken to mitigate the security problem, including the creation of the Security Operations Command Centre, which comprises various security forces (police, gendarmerie and army) and which should help the country to confront its security challenges. The authorities have also announced the installation of security cameras on the capital’s main roads, the launch of an anti-racketeering campaign in the security forces, and the eradication of indiscriminate roadblocks. 6 GE.13-15028