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.

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ELECTION STATISTICS
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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.

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A DAY AT THE POLLS
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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.

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POSITIVE MEDIA COVERAGE
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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

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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.

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SCHEDULED ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS
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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.

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ONE SHADOW CAST: INTIMIDATION OF CANDIDATES
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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.

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NEC EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR PEACEFUL DAY
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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.

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COMMENT
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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