EAC DISCUSSES SECURITY FOR JULY 5 LOCAL ELECTIONS

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000313

SIPDIS

DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/CC, AF/W, AF/EX

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC SL
SUBJECT: EAC DISCUSSES SECURITY FOR JULY 5 LOCAL ELECTIONS


1. (SBU) On July 1, 2008, the Freetown Emergency Action
Committee convened to discuss the current situation leading
up to the general local elections scheduled for July 5, 2008.
The AMB, DCM, RSO, MGT, POL, DAO, USAID, CON, PAO, and LEGAT
were in attendance. The EAC discussed several incidents of
political intimidation and violence that have occurred in
Sierra Leone since the campaign season began three weeks ago.
The incidents were small scale and isolated and occurred
primarily in the District of Kono. The Sierra Leone Police
(SLP) has implemented similar operational plans to those
utilized during the Presidential elections of 2007. By all
accounts, the SLP did a commendable job in maintaining peace
and order during the previous elections.


2. (SBU) The EAC agreed that although there is no
indication of Americans being directly targeted, the
potential for political unrest warrants a warden message.
The message will advise American citizens to exercise caution
and avoid large crowds and locations/events where politically
motivated disturbances might take place leading up to and on
election day.
PERRY