CIVIL SOCIETY LEADER PUSHING FOR ELECTIONS AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 CONAKRY 001228 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV SOCI ASEC GV SUBJECT: CIVIL SOCIETY LEADER PUSHING FOR ELECTIONS AND UNITY REF: 11/02/07 CARTER/MOSS EMAIL -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Although contacts report that civil society is looking to change Guinea,s electoral code before holding legislative elections, a prominent civil society leader told poloff that the country needs to focus on elections first and the electoral code later. Recognizing growing divisions within and among societal elements, the National Council of Civil Society Organizations is planning a national seminar in December in order to bring everyone back to the table, evaluate the current political situation and define a forward strategy. END SUMMARY. -------------- FORGET THE ELECTORAL CODE FOR NOW -------------- ¶2. (SBU) In a November 7 meeting with poloff, Ben Sekou Syllah, the President of the Guinean National Council of Civil Society Organizations (CNOSCG),said that in order to attain the political transition Guinea is looking for, civil society needs to focus on successfully realizing immediate-term goals. Referring to recent comments by some of his civil society colleagues calling for revisions to Guinea,s electoral code in order to allow independent candidature, Syllah said that this is a long-term goal. "We should go ahead and do our best to organize credible legislative elections and then change the electoral code afterwards," he added. According to Syllah, a credible National Assembly that accurately represents the population will control the entire government. "Once we have that, we can focus on changing the electoral code before the 2009 local elections and the 2010 presidential elections," he said. -------------- TIME TO REGROUP -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Acknowledging the emerging political divisions among civil society organizations, unions, political parties, youth groups, and others, Syllah said that he is actively working to try and bring everyone back together. He said that he is sending groups, composed of civil society, unions, and the Patronat (see note),into the interior of the country the week of November 12 in order to encourage solidarity as well as to prepare for a National Seminar tentatively planned for December. Reportedly supported by financial contributions from IFES, the French Cooperation Fund and the Government of Guinea, Syllah said the National Seminar will bring together all elements of society, including the military, in order to evaluate political progress, define a forward strategy, and clarify the roles various sectors can take to effect change. Syllah anticipates that approximately 300 participants will travel to Dalaba (Middle Guinea) for the conference. (NOTE. The Patronat, which is an organization of business leaders, is currently divided into two camps. One camp is led by Conte crony Mamadou Syllah and the other by Yousouff Diallo. Both claim that they are the legitimate president of the Patronat, which caused the organizational split. END NOTE). -------------- MORE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS NEEDED -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Turning to elections in general, Syllah said it is absolutely critical that Kouyate appoint new sub-prefects in order to further extend his reach and provide greater assurance of administrative neutrality. Syllah was not worried about the 8000 plus elected officials at the communal level that other contacts have said may interfere in election results. According to Syllah, replacing the sub-prefects is one step forward ) "the problems with the communal officials will be addressed in the 2009 (local) elections," he said. -------------- KOUYATE NOT DELIVERING -------------- ¶5. (SBU) During a September meeting with poloff, Syllah expressed frustration with Kouyate,s slow progress towards implementing the January 27 Accords. Syllah echoed these same comments and said that while Kouyate has been able to make some minor improvements such as improved electricity and provision of street lamps, in reality, these are little things., According to Syllah, Kouyate needs to focus on four key objectives: elect a credible National Assembly, CONAKRY 00001228 002 OF 002 stop corruption, establish a consultative body composed of civil society and others, and deliver on promises to investigate and prosecute alleged human rights abuses committed during the January/February strikes. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Ben Syllah is generally well respected and widely seen as one of the key civil society leaders although some contacts say he may be too partisan. He is also one of three civil society names nominated to serve on the National Independent Electoral Commission, which has not yet been ratified by presidential decree. Syllah is clearly focused on a step-by-step approach for achieving a successful political transition. He seems to have a big-picture concept of what needs to happen and he is not relying exclusively on the consensus government to get it done. Syllah seems to see Kouyate as one element of a much broader push for change, which includes free and fair elections (legislative, local, and executive),participation by all levels of society, and targeted efforts to reduce corruption. If Syllah can successfully organize his National Seminar as planned, he may be able to get everyone refocused and define a clear strategy for achieving the political change Guineans are looking for. At the same time, he risks further dividing society if the various groups are unable to define a common vision. Ben Syllah may be just the individual to bring everyone together and get them refocused on what they want to achieve and how to do it. Embassy will examine if direct support to the conference would be appropriate given discussion in ref email. END COMMENT. CARTER