Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03GUATEMALA2864
2003-11-09 14:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Guatemala
Cable title:  

ALL QUIET ON EVE OF GUATEMALAN ELECTIONS

Tags:  PGOV PINR EAID KDEM GT 
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091455Z Nov 03
UNCLAS GUATEMALA 002864 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR EAID KDEM GT
SUBJECT: ALL QUIET ON EVE OF GUATEMALAN ELECTIONS


UNCLAS GUATEMALA 002864

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR EAID KDEM GT
SUBJECT: ALL QUIET ON EVE OF GUATEMALAN ELECTIONS



1. With fourteen hours to go before the opening of voting
tables on November 9, no election-related disturbances have
been reported. The prohibition on partisan campaigning went
into effect at noon on November 7, and all the political
parties have ceased campaigning. The sale of alcohol has
been suspended. News reports from around the country note
that everything is normal. Businesses are open and traffic
is the same as any weekend.


2. Embassy election observers have reported from their remote
locations that things are quiet around the country. We spoke
with senior representatives of the major political parties
late on November 8, and none report any problems anticipated
on election day.


3. The Ambassador toured the Mirador Electoral quick-count
center and the Election Central of the Supreme Electoral
Tribunal (TSE) on the morning of November 8. The TSE
magistrates said that everything was in good shape for the
elections, and said they expect it to be a civic event
("fiesta civica"). The Ambassador spoke with the Ministers
of Defense and Government on the evening of November 7, and
both say the security forces are prepared to preserve order
on election day.


4. Comment: Defying months of rumors of pre-electoral
violence and fears that most economic activity would be shut
down, Guatemala appears poised to have a peaceful election.
HAMILTON