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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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)
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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