UK Security Printer Helps West African Democracy

Eastbourne (UK) independent security and commercial printer, Smith and Ouzman, has played an integral part in the political history of the West African country, Mauritania.

Eastbourne (UK) independent security and commercial printer, Smith and Ouzman, has played an integral part in the political history of the West African country, Mauritania.

The Ministry of the Interior of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania selected the company to securely print and deliver over 4.5 million ballot papers, weighing more than 45 tonnes, for the country's first ever democratic, free parliamentary and municipal elections.

Power has never changed hands via the ballot box in Mauritania before.

Following a bloodless coup last year, the country's military junta promised that democratic elections would be held to hand over power.

Smith and Ouzman won the contract because of its reputation for extremely high levels of quality, service and security and its ability to meet the delivery lead-time of only two weeks for the main elections and three days for the second round run-off elections, said the company.

The company welcomed a delegation from the Mauritanian Ministry of the Interior and UNDP to Eastbourne during production.

Smith and Ouzeman director, Nick Smith, said: "Our extensive experience in this market meant we were able to offer very detailed advice to our visitors at every stage of the process, even covering how the ballot papers should be printed and packed to assist in logistical distribution around Mauritania.

This was quite specialised as the country is nearly five times the size of the UK but has only two tarmac main roads outside the capital." Smith travelled with the chartered DC8 aircraft to deliver the ballot papers and assist with identification and distribution across the county.

He said: "This has been a testing project to undertake due to the very short time scales but we've been able to achieve delivery, with enhanced specifications, because of our knowledge of similar previous projects and the flexibility and diligence of all of our staff." First round elections were successfully held on November 19 and followed by second round elections on December 3.

Military rule is set to end in the country completely, with presidential elections next March.

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