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