Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINSHASA1686
2006-11-01 09:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
SOUTH AFRICAN OBSERVER MISSIONS CALLS DRC
how-toVZCZCXRO6067 PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #1686 3050943 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 010943Z NOV 06 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5085 INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS KINSHASA 001686
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SA CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN OBSERVER MISSIONS CALLS DRC
ELECTIONS CREDIBLE AND TRANSPARENT
UNCLAS KINSHASA 001686
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SA CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN OBSERVER MISSIONS CALLS DRC
ELECTIONS CREDIBLE AND TRANSPARENT
1. (U) The South African Observer Mission (SAOM)
characterized the DRC's October 29 presidential and
provincial elections as "democratic, peaceful, credible, and
transparent." The 108-member observer mission was deployed
in all eleven provinces, with an average of three teams in
each. It was led by Deputy Defense Minister Mluleki George
and included members of parliament, government officials, and
civil society organizations.
2. (U) The SAOM announcement came in an October 31 press
release, which serves as an interim statement covering the
period October 13-31. It highlighted several observations
from both the electoral process and election day:
o Voter lists were made available at polling centers for
inspection prior to the election.
o Voters whose names were missing or who had lost their
voting cards were assisted by the Independent Electoral
Commission (CEI).
o The High Authority for Media was able to more
effectively enforce a media code of conduct.
o The electorate was "reasonably informed" thanks to an
effective voter education campaign by governmental,
non-governmental, and political party networks.
3. (U) The South African observers found that the majority of
voter stations opened on time and operated smoothly, with
proceedings followed by party representatives and national
and international observers. They did not witness any major
incidents or irregularities, and characterized the general
atmosphere as "calm." The SAOM praised the Independent
Electoral Commission (CEI) for its professionalism and
impartiality and the national police for the security
provided. They also commended the two presidential
candidates for agreeing to a Joint Appeal and Declaration
calling for a peaceful election process.
4. (U) SAOM will remain in the DRC for the counting process
and the announcement of results.
MEECE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SA CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN OBSERVER MISSIONS CALLS DRC
ELECTIONS CREDIBLE AND TRANSPARENT
1. (U) The South African Observer Mission (SAOM)
characterized the DRC's October 29 presidential and
provincial elections as "democratic, peaceful, credible, and
transparent." The 108-member observer mission was deployed
in all eleven provinces, with an average of three teams in
each. It was led by Deputy Defense Minister Mluleki George
and included members of parliament, government officials, and
civil society organizations.
2. (U) The SAOM announcement came in an October 31 press
release, which serves as an interim statement covering the
period October 13-31. It highlighted several observations
from both the electoral process and election day:
o Voter lists were made available at polling centers for
inspection prior to the election.
o Voters whose names were missing or who had lost their
voting cards were assisted by the Independent Electoral
Commission (CEI).
o The High Authority for Media was able to more
effectively enforce a media code of conduct.
o The electorate was "reasonably informed" thanks to an
effective voter education campaign by governmental,
non-governmental, and political party networks.
3. (U) The South African observers found that the majority of
voter stations opened on time and operated smoothly, with
proceedings followed by party representatives and national
and international observers. They did not witness any major
incidents or irregularities, and characterized the general
atmosphere as "calm." The SAOM praised the Independent
Electoral Commission (CEI) for its professionalism and
impartiality and the national police for the security
provided. They also commended the two presidential
candidates for agreeing to a Joint Appeal and Declaration
calling for a peaceful election process.
4. (U) SAOM will remain in the DRC for the counting process
and the announcement of results.
MEECE