OBSERVATIONS FROM EMBASSY STAFF: POLLING STATION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PHNOM PENH 000626 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, DRL, P, D NSC FOR L, PHU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM PHUM EAID CB SUBJECT: OBSERVATIONS FROM EMBASSY STAFF: POLLING STATION OFFICIALS AND VOTERS MANAGE NICELY -- PROUD, COMPETENT, AND FAIR ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Forty-seven Embassy teams observed the July 27 elections in 18 provinces and found above-average professional behavior from the more than 15,000 PSCs (Polling Station Commissions) in the country. PSC staff were generally seen as timely, competent, evenhanded, and impartial in their many duties and responsibilities (everything from checking voter identities to distinguishing between valid and invalid ballots at the end of the day). ¶2. (SBU) Embassy staff were also quick to note that the voting atmosphere was calm, if a bit chaotic among the many eager voters. Polling stations were largely free of political propaganda and security was good. Although problems remained in some districts and polling stations, the vast majority of Cambodians who went to vote and cast their ballot on election day came away with a sense of satisfaction. End Summary. THE PSC: ALL IN A DAY'S WORK -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Observation teams were pleasantly surprised by the level of collegiality and pride polling station workers displayed as they tried their best to ensure the integrity of the democratic process. Although not representative of all election officials, a majority of PSCs demonstrated great dedication to their work. One American observer recounted the story of how polling station workers placed particular care in helping one elderly lady through each step of the voting process in Takeo province. Not only were the polling officials patient with the elderly voter who had impaired vision and hearing, but they also averted their eyes from the lady,s ballot as she mistakenly revealed her ballot after voting in the booth. ¶4. (SBU) Another observation team on the opposite side of the country in the province of Banteay Meanchey witnessed the high level of organization and communication between the PSC and the CEC (Commune Election Commission) as officials collaborated to help one voter successfully find her correct polling station. Much like the rural provincial observations, Embassy staff in Phnom Penh also noticed how the PSC maintained courteous and professional behavior throughout the long day. ¶5. (SBU) Although they could not provide answers to voters failing to find their names on posted registration lists, the staff patiently explained where voters could look elsewhere and were generally calm and consoling in demeanor. In fact, it is a testimony to polling site officials' professionalism that there were no reported incidents of unruly crowds related to this problem in Phnom Penh. Although observers reported numerous dissatisfied would-be-voters congregating at some of the larger sites, trying to find their names on lists, officials' actions coupled with an apparent effort by voters themselves to maintain calm averted frictions. ALL QUIET ON THE RURAL FRONT -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Despite isolated and understandable cases of agitation expressed by upset voters, the atmosphere surrounding the 2008 National Parliamentary Elections this past weekend was peaceful both before and after preliminary results were publicized. ¶7. (SBU) While most PSCs displayed restraint in showing any type of emotion, U.S. observers also found that polling station staff were not immune to a little light-hearted humor. One observation team in the rural province of Kampong Speu noted that election officials and domestic observers had a good laugh during the ballot-counting process when one ballot was shown to have been marked by a large smiley face. After the laugh, the ballot was properly marked as invalid, as were other "protest ballots." ¶8. (SBU) Most American observation teams noted how Cambodians were visibly excited about voting as soon as the polling stations were open and were visibly proud once they dipped their right index finger into the indelible ink as evidence of their participation. Even more encouraging were the accounts of peaceful celebrations and reflections immediately after the preliminary results were televised from all parties of the political spectrum. As of July 29, it seems that most rural Cambodians accepted either victory or defeat at the PHNOM PENH 00000626 002 OF 002 polling station with a reserved demeanor. Time will tell if urban voters follow suit. MUSSOMELI