DRC ELECTIONS: AFRICAN OBSERVER MISSIONS ECHO

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001716 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG ELECTIONS SUBJECT: DRC ELECTIONS: AFRICAN OBSERVER MISSIONS ECHO POSITIVE CONCLUSIONS OF OTHER GROUPS REF: A. KINSHASA 1686 ¶B. KINSHASA 1687 ¶C. KINSHASA 1692 ¶D. KINSHASA 1703 ¶1. (U) Summary. Interim statements on the October 29 DRC elections released this week by four African observer missions echoed the conclusions of other international observers (reftels): the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) conduct of elections improved from the July 30 first-round, polling was generally calm and transparent, and observers will continue to be engaged throughout the compilation phase. End summary. Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) -------------- ¶2. (U) EISA deployed a 50-member team, including representatives of all southern African and many west African countries, that observed elections at more than 360 sites nationwide. EISA concluded that the elections were conducted in a manner that "allowed the people of the DRC to have free and unhindered access to express their votes." EISA observers witnessed good representation by party witnesses, improved conduct and efficiency by electoral staff, an open and transparent counting process, and respect for ballot secrecy at polling stations. EISA plans to issues a more comprehensive final report in the coming weeks. National Network for Election Observation and Monitoring in the Congo (RENOSEC) -------------- -------------- ¶3. (U) RENOSEC deployed 10,200 national observers throughout the country, slightly more than in the July 30 election. It found most voters well-informed but blamed parties and candidates for not adequately explaining that first round presidential results "were not enough to have someone win." The mission regretted lower turnout, but called negative incidents "isolated" and said voting took place in very good conditions. It concluded that voting and counting operations it observed were "free, democratic, and transparent." South African Development Community Parliament Forum (SADC-PF) -------------- -------------- ¶4. (U) SADC-PF fielded 15 parliamentary observers from Malawi, Swaziland, Mozambique, Angola and Namibia in Kinshasa, Bas Congo, and Katanga. It noted "significant progress" since the first round and said that the CEI had learned useful lessons, that electoral operations occurred normally and in accordance with legislation, and that voting took place with transparency and integrity. Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa -------------- ¶5. (U) COMESA deployed ten observers in eight provinces. It concluded that "voters were able to exercise their democratic rights" to vote freely for their leaders. It characterized the conduct of elections as well-organized and transparent with only minor irregularities in procedures relating to assisting voters. The mission praised voting station staff for their "meticulous" adherence to electoral law and CEI officials for their outstanding and efficient organization of the delivery and collection of voting materials. COMESA will remain in-country until the release of final results and will produce a full report on its findings. African Union (AU)/Economic Community of Central Africa (CEEAC) -------------- -------------- ¶6. (U) The AU did not issue a formal interim assessment, but AU President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso released a press statement November 3 expressing both organizations' satisfaction with well-organized voting and positive security conditions. He praised the CEI for its "new prowess" and thanked the international community for its support. He called on the two presidential candidates to respect promises to guarantee peace, security, and stability after the announcement of results. MEECE