U.S. Electoral Process Excites Sierra Leoneans

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000531 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/PDPA DEPT ALSO FOR AF/W (JHUNTER/ESPRUILL) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPAO KDEM SL SUBJECT: U.S. Electoral Process Excites Sierra Leoneans ¶1. Summary: On the afternoon and evening of November 4, Ambassador Perry welcomed visitors to a 6-station exhibit on the United States Presidential Elections. In total, nearly 400 people joined Embassy staff to learn about the different aspects of the process and to watch televised coverage of voting in the U.S. Responses from participants, from students as young as six to cabinet members, were extraordinary. Participants of note included the Ministers of Energy, Health, and Foreign Affairs, Speaker and members of Parliament, the Chief Justice of the High Court, Chair of the Presidents Anti-Corruption Commission, representatives of the diplomatic corps, leaders of civil society, and other notable Sierra Leoneans. Many said it was the most informative, fun, and relaxed event they have attended at the Embassy. End Summary. -------------- Emphasis on Unity -------------- ¶2. Ambassador Perry first welcomed nearly 200 students aged 6-17, and later a cross-section of Sierra Leonean society including government leaders, community and religious leaders, academics, and journalists, among others. She recognized the historical significance of this particular election, but primarily targeted her remarks to be subtle reminders of the importance of maintaining democratic integrity. Despite the impressiveness of recent Sierra Leonean elections, which were generally termed free and fair by observers, politics in this country are marred by divisiveness, discord, and mud-slinging in the press. The Ambassador's remarks showcased the hallmarks of American politics - beyond transparent elections - including political unity to achieve goals of national interest, and that elected officials become the government of all the people, and not merely the government of their party's followers. -------------- Student Enthusiasm -------------- ¶3. The event featured informational displays on the Electoral College, the role of political parties in the United States, the candidates, and the voting process, which included a mock election for non-U.S. citizens. Each display was staffed by an American and a local employee to answer questions. In addition to the displays, a viewing area screening televised coverage of Election Day in the United States was standing-room only, and the multi-purpose Room, with IIP videos on Elections showing on the big screen, was a welcome respite from the crowd. ¶4. 11 local schools sent 10-20 students each to learn about the elections. Embassy staff members were impressed with the knowledge the students already possessed about the Elections, and their questions were remarkably astute. Several indicated that they wanted to be President of Sierra Leone in the future. Many students lingered to watch live television coverage of the polls, asking about how voting procedures varied from state to state, about the candidates, and about the political parties. Handouts were tailored to the youthful audience, including worksheets for the students to bring back to their classrooms for follow-up lessons. -------------- Political Education via Popular Displays -------------- ¶5. While the "Candidates" display appeared to be the most popular, since it included an opportunity to have a souvenir photo taken with life-sized cardboard cut-outs of Senators Obama and McCain, comments about the Electoral College display were most prevalent. Sierra Leoneans were fascinated to learn that the American President is not elected by a popular vote, and many took home the IIP publication on the Electoral College to learn more. In addition, the political parties display emphasized the fact that American political parties are founded on differing ideologies, so Americans often vote with the party that most accurately represents their views, in contrast to local political parties, which are based more on tribal and geographic divisions. ¶6. To conclude the evening, a member of the local staff announced the results of the mock election, which had tremendous participation by young and old. The results matched those announced later that night in the U.S. PERRY