SIERRA LEONE CONDUCTS PEACEFUL LOCAL ELECTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000328 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/10/2018 TAGS: KDEM PREL PGOV SL SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE CONDUCTS PEACEFUL LOCAL ELECTIONS REF: A. FREETOWN 300 ¶B. FREETOWN 314 ¶C. FREETOWN 323 Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Per reftel C, Sierra Leone's local elections on July 5 were peaceful and generally transparent. While situational reports are still being shared among stakeholders and observers, initial information-gathering efforts indicate that the elections had relatively few technical irregularities. Several skirmishes took place at various locations, and intimidation of candidates marred the pre-election period, but the country's overall peace and security was maintained. Though results have yet to be formally announced, many citizens, media outlets, and international community members are proclaiming this election a success. The precedent set by the free and fair Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2007 has been upheld, and Sierra Leone continues to be a democratic model for other nations on the continent. END SUMMARY. -------------- ELECTION STATISTICS -------------- ¶2. (U) The local government elections were a contest for 475 seats across 394 local wards. The field of 1,324 candidates broke down into 1,264 aspirants for councilor positions and 60 mayoral/Council Chairperson candidates. There were 221 women candidates, representing 16 percent of the field. NEC statistics showed that 2,724,723 voters registered, representing 93 percent of the eligible voters in the country (NOTE: Voter turnout numbers have yet to believed. END NOTE). ¶3. (SBU) Out of the 475 seats, 37 councilor seats and 1 chairperson seat were uncontested. The district breakdown of uncontested seats was as follows: Kono (3); Bombali (6); Kambia (3); Koinadugu (2); Port Loko (13); Tonkolili (8);Western Urban (2); Western Rural (1). Fourteen of the uncontested races were a result of candidates withdrawing from the races, and 60 of the 71 total candidate withdrawals were registered as Independent candidates. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) officially awarded the uncontested seats on June 30, resulting in All People's Congress (APC) victories across the board. -------------- A DAY AT THE POLLS -------------- ¶4. (U) Polls generally opened at 0700 hours, though some opened as late as 0800 hours. According to Dr. Christiana Thorpe, NEC Chairperson, the delays were typically the result of human errors in the distribution of equipment rather than a lack of equipment. Embassy observers noted tensions rise as voters waited, though no significant disturbances were reported as a result of impatience over delays or technical difficulties. Voters proceeded to trickle into centers until polls officially closed at 1700 hours. The counting process was orderly in most polling centers, with minor disputes resulting from parties wanting additional agents to observe. The overall process was quiet and peaceful, and where skirmishes or problems were reported, security forces intervened quickly and effectively to pacify tensions. ¶5. (SBU) Observation reports indicate that NEC officials followed the rules and procedures appropriately. Some centers lacked adequate equipment, and were forced, for example, to use overturned school desks as voter blinds. Other centers were missing key voting materials, though NEC staff quickly rectified such situations. Party agents cooperated in the process, though some parties were unable to field sufficient observers to cover all polling locations. A few flashpoints arose around candidates and party affiliates breaching the regulations prohibiting unauthorized party presence around polling centers, but were handled by NEC officials in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Military Police. -------------- POSITIVE MEDIA COVERAGE -------------- ¶6. (SBU) The press coverage is consistent in reporting a generally peaceful process. There are reports of violence and intimidation in areas that were problematic in the pre-election period (see reftels A and B),and post is waiting for corroboration of various events from other observers. The majority of news outlets term the election as FREETOWN 00000328 002 OF 002 free and fair, including the party radio stations. The Independent Radio Network (IRN) has announced provisional results posted at polling centers, and while the NEC commended IRN for impartial coverage, it reasserted its role as the official voice of the election results in a July 7 press conference. -------------- SCHEDULED ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS -------------- ¶7. (U) While it is possible that results will be available earlier than expected, the NEC plans to announce results on 07/10/2008, 07/14/2008, 07/15/2008, and 07/22/2008. Following the announcements, NEC plans to present certifications to the winning candidates at the four regional headquarters between 07/23/2008 and 07/27/2008. Until this period ends, the NEC will operate Media Centers in the four provinces at locations in Makeni, Bo, Kenema, and Freetown. -------------- ONE SHADOW CAST: INTIMIDATION OF CANDIDATES -------------- ¶8. (C) As reported in reftel A, there were numerous reports of harassment and intimidation of candidates in the pre-election period. The harassment was primarily targeted at female and independent candidates, with the majority reported in Kono District, historically an SLPP stronghold. Per reftel B, intervention by bilateral and multilateral envoys appeared to have quelled the tide of threatening behavior in the final days of the campaigning period, and though some candidates withdrew as a result of the intimidation, others persevered. By showing a visible international presence at the local level through pre-election diplomatic visits (NOTE: Embassy was represented by poloff and USAID personnel. END NOTE),as well as pressure applied at the highest echelons of government, the message was clearly sent that behavior marring the integrity of the elections would not go unnoticed or tolerated by Sierra Leone's strategic partners. ¶9. (C) Tensions were high on July 5 in locations where intimidation had been reported previously, including Kono and Tongo Fields. These are also locations where, historically, political intolerance and violence has occurred in the past. In anticipation of potential problems, additional security forces were deployed to those areas. One international journalist based in Kono reported to poloff that he is certain large-scale violence would have occurred without the presence of these forces. -------------- NEC EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR PEACEFUL DAY -------------- ¶10. (C) Dr. Thorpe expressed her gratitude both publicly through the media and privately to the U.S. Ambassador for USG assistance to support the electoral process; candidacies of women; monitoring; and, ameliorating security risks. She believes that the proceedings went smoothly overall, despite the earlier intimidation tactics, and is now looking to the national and local elections scheduled for 2012. Dr. Thorpe intends to continue to build NEC capacity, and is already seeking international donor support for a variety of endeavors. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶8. (SBU) COMMENT: Though the local elections did not garner the same level of excitement and interest as the 2007 Presidential elections, they are a significant step in solidifying democratic principles and practices in Sierra Leone. Government institutions, specifically the NEC and Sierra Leone Police, adhered to pre-established procedures, ensuring that irregularities and unexpected events occurring on the day were quickly and appropriately handled. Though significant levels of support were required from international and non-governmental organizations, the stage has been set for Sierra Leone to conduct elections, effectively and independently, in the years to come. The USG can expect to be a key partner in further developing and strengthening NEC capacity over the next four years. Maintaining the high standards set by the 2007 elections is a strong indicator that, despite its overall fragility, Sierra Leone is willing and able to embrace developmental goals that advance its commitment to sustained democratic integrity. END COMMENT. PERRY