ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL REQUESTS ELECTIONS ASSISTANCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 000727 SIPDIS SIPDIS WHA/BSC (KREAD),WHA/USOAS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2027 TAGS: PGOV KDEM PREL PA SUBJECT: ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL REQUESTS ELECTIONS ASSISTANCE Classified By: DCM Michael Fitzpatrick; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) ACTION REQUEST: Electoral Tribunal (TSJE) Judges Juan Manual Morales, Rafael Dendia, and Alberto Ramirez requested elections assistance from the United States during August 23 - 25 meetings with POL Chief and PolOff. The judges stressed the importance of international observers for Paraguay's primaries in December 2007 and January 2008, as well as national elections scheduled for April 20, 2008. They indicated they would invite international observers such as the OAS, CAPEL, and the European Union, but hoped the observers would plan to cover the primaries, several months before the general election, and at least one month following the election. They also requested technical assistance for at least one month to help the tribunal prepare for elections and restore its institutional credibility. Finally, the judges asked for assistance in engaging civil society in the electoral process to ensure greater transparency in transmitting election results. Please advise ASAP. END ACTION REQUEST. ¶2. (C) COMMENT: The TSJE has come under fire for being overly politicized, a characteristic of many Paraguayan government institutions. With the possibility that the Colorado Party's 60-year rule is now threatened by the political opposition, the tribunal needs technical and institutional support. Post sees an international elections observation mission, technical support, and an active civil society as key to the tribunal's success, and as key to Paraguay's democratic stability. END COMMENT. Please visit us at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/asuncion CASON