In another landmark international contract, Eastbourne-based independent security and commercial printing house Smith & Ouzman Limited 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 & Ouzman Ltd won the contract on its reputation for extremely high levels of quality, service and security, and its ability to meet the very demanding delivery lead-time of only two weeks for the main elections, and three days for the second round run off elections.

The company was delighted to welcome a delegation from the Ministry of the Interior and UNDP to Eastbourne during production. Nick Smith, director, 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 tarmacked main roads outside the capital.”
Nick 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 timescales 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 altogether with presidential elections in March.