Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08FREETOWN316
2008-07-02 14:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:  

SIERRA LEONE'S JULY 5 ELECTIONS: MULTILATERAL

Tags:  KDEM KWMN PGOV PREL SL 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO8229
PP RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0316/01 1841417
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 021417Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2015
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000316 

SIPDIS

FOR AF/W

E.O. 12958: DECL: 6/30/2018
TAGS: KDEM KWMN PGOV PREL SL
SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE'S JULY 5 ELECTIONS: MULTILATERAL
EFFORTS UNDERWAY

REF: A. FREETOWN 305

B. FREETOWN 300

Classified By: AMBASSADOR JUNE CARTER PERRY REASON 1.4 B/D


C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000316

SIPDIS

FOR AF/W

E.O. 12958: DECL: 6/30/2018
TAGS: KDEM KWMN PGOV PREL SL
SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE'S JULY 5 ELECTIONS: MULTILATERAL
EFFORTS UNDERWAY

REF: A. FREETOWN 305

B. FREETOWN 300

Classified By: AMBASSADOR JUNE CARTER PERRY REASON 1.4 B/D



1. (C) As indicated in ref A, International Community
(IC)Partners agreed to provide support and encouragement (as
well as funding) to help guide Sierra Leone's July 5th local
elections to the kind of success experienced in the country's
2007 national races. To date, these have included actions to
ensure the GoSL's public endorsement of free, fair and
peaceful elections. Ambassador met privately June 20 with
the Presidential Press Secretary to recommend that the
President come forward with a public statement against
violence and support for free elections following allegations
of candidate intimidation and harassment. Such a statement,
we suggested, would strengthen the GoSL's credibility as a
democratic nation. Last week, the head of state issued such
a call for peaceful elections.


Spreading the Word Far Afield
--------------


2. (C) The Acting Executive Representative of the UN
Secretary General (A/ERSG) Michael v. der Schulenburg,
EMBOFFS and other diplomatic mission representatives visited
several towns within Sierra Leone to meet with party leaders
and encourage them to act responsibly as the election
approaches. The international donors mission was covered in
the local press and welcomed by candidates and others amidst
allegations of violence against opposition members in the
North Eastern portion of Sierra Leone. A full report on the
delegation's mission will follow septel.


U.S. Public Statements
--------------


3. (C) In Freetown, the U.S. Ambassador spoke at a public
forum organized by the Political Parties Registration
Commission (PPRC) on June 26 to address independence of
voters and candidates alike and to condemn harassment of
female candidates. Sierra Leone's First Lady spoke on the
same platform. (Note: The First Lady's family has been
accused of playing a role in pressing candidates to run for
the ruling party or withdraw. End Note.) While stressing
she could not make "political" statements, Mrs. Koroma spoke
strongly about the need for women to remain actively engaged

in the political process. The PPRC is a USG-funded
organization that monitors political party activities. We
also held a training seminar in Freetown for Embassy election
observers and spoke about the need for free and fair
elections. During a June 20th press conference, Ambassador
called for a secure, non-violent process.


International Engagement on Election Eve
--------------


4. (C) During the weeks of June 23 and 30, U.S. and U.K.
Chiefs of Mission have been collaborating closely to
reinforce the message of continued steps toward a solid,
sustainable democracy in talks with party leaders, civil
society and government. The British met with ruling party
and opposition leaders in Freetown last week; we held similar
exchanges country-wide and met with the National Electoral
Commission (NEC). The message of the IC is one of unity and
freedom. In that regard, the UN leadership also expects to
discuss overall election activities during this final week
with political parties leaders.



5. (C) Ambassador Perry and Poloff met with the Majority
Leader in Parliament, Edward Turay, on June 30. The purpose
of the meeting was to call to the Majority Leader,s
attention the numerous allegations of political intolerance
and threatening behavior by APC supporters towards female and
independent candidates. The meeting also served as a
reminder that the United States and the international
community at large is concerned about the democratic
integrity of the local elections on July 5. Turay was
receptive to the message that these elections must operate
freely and transparently, and that party leaders play a
critical role in advocating for peace amongst their
supporters. He said he had previously spoken with the
President and Vice President to voice his own concerns
regarding the allegations that political intimidation is
being instigated from the highest levels. Turay pledged to

FREETOWN 00000316 002 OF 002


make a statement in Parliament this week requesting that all
parties follow the agreed-upon codes of conduct, as well as
to encourage constituents to respect the democratic process
for which Sierra Leone has become a model.



6. (C) Comment: Post will report separately on
field/provincial talks and campaign tactics. It has been the
international community's intent to make clear to government
that it must take a leadership role in stepping forward to
reassure the public that the local elections will run
smoothly and freely. Our conversations with public and
private sector representatives have pointed to overall lower
tensions than in the 2007 national elections. The one
exception is the sensitive North Eastern section of the
country, which was a difficult area in which to keep peace
during the 2007 Presidential elections. The UN has already
encouraged Sierra Leone security and police to increase its
policing in the region. U.S. engagement at the political
level, as well as through on-the-ground programs such as
voter/candidate/political party support by PPRC, NDI and IFES
will continue through election day - July 5th- and during the
aftermath as results roll out. End Comment
PERRY