AMBASSADOR CAUTIONS INTERIOR MINISTER ON ELECTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 008875 SIPDIS NSC STAFF FOR SINGH E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2015 TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM EG SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR CAUTIONS INTERIOR MINISTER ON ELECTION VIOLENCE REF: A. CAIRO 8822 ¶B. CAIRO 8786 ¶C. CAIRO 8745 Classified by DCM Stuart Jones for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) During a telephone conversation on November 22, the Ambassador cautioned Egyptian Interior Minister Habib el-Adly about the violence which accompanied the start of the second stage of Egyptian elections on November 20 (reftels). ¶2. (C) After an initial discussion of the upcoming visit of the FBI Director, Adly asked the Ambassdor for his views on the progress of the People's Assembly elections. The Ambassador replied that it is not what we think that is important, it is what the Egyptian people think. The violence in the second stage, combined with the procedural lapses, have undermined public confidence in the balloting process. This is a set-back for Egypt, after conducting successful presidential elections and a relatively peaceful first stage of parliamentary elections, albeit with irregularities. The November 20 violence has made the NDP look desperate, the Ambassador cautioned. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador added that having police stand by during violent episodes was unhelpful. We appreciate the efforts to ensure police "neutrality," but we would nonetheless hope for greater security for poll workers and voters in the November 26 runoff and the third stage, which begins December 1. Bringing to justice those responsible for instigating violence would also be important, the Ambassador added. ¶4. (C) Adly took on board the Ambassador's points and thanked him for the spirit in which they were conveyed. ¶5. (C) Comment: While the November 20 violence was most likely not centrally orchestrated, we think it probable that local NDP elites, in some cases cooperating with local security forces, will instigate similar episodes during runoffs on November 26. End comment. RICCIARDONE