World | Ivory Coast Mbeki Tries to Break Election Standoff in Ivory Coast Borders are set to reopen today By Kevin Spak Posted Dec 6, 2010 10:18 AM CST Copied Supporters of opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara shout "We don't want Gbagbo," as they stand beside a street fire, Dec. 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Thabo Mbeki arrived in the Ivory Coast yesterday, in an attempt to break the political stalemate following the country’s disputed presidential election. The ex-South African president and African Union mediator met with both candidates, and told reporters that the conversation had been positive, according to the Wall Street Journal. The country’s borders, which have been closed since Thursday, were opened briefly to allow Mbeki to arrive. The military says it’s planning to fully reopen them today. The country’s independent election commission has declared challenger Alassane Outtara the winner of the vote, but incumbent Laurent Gbagbo has refused to concede, sparking sometimes violent protests. Mbeki “has got that job of trying to persuade them to almost jump at the same time,” says one Oxford professor of African politics. “Given the history of broken promises and weak institutions, that’s going to be the thing that’s so hard to get.” Read These Next CNN boss asks workers not to 'jump to conclusions' about deal. Mr. Clean is punching in for the last time. Bill Clinton: 'I Saw Nothing, and I Did Nothing Wrong' Back to the Future star is at the center of a shocking suit. Report an error