SENEGAL: REQUEST FUNDS FOR LOCAL ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION

UNCLAS DAKAR 000260

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, AF/EX
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AFIN AMGT PGOV KDEM SG
SUBJECT: SENEGAL: REQUEST FUNDS FOR LOCAL ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION


1. This is an action request.


2. Embassy Dakar requests funding to support Embassy coverage of
local elections slated for March 22, 2009.


3. Breakdown of funding request follows:

Observers for Dakar region: $261x4 observers= $1,044
Observers for regions outside of Dakar: $120x13(regions)x3(1
direct-hire + 1 FSN + 1 driver) =$4,680
Total: $5,724


4. Justification: Senegal is one of Africa's leading democracies
and this local election will be the last major one before
Presidential elections slated for 2012. As of this writing, Senegal
is entering a critical junction in its democratic development as an
aging President is preparing to depart the political arena while
paving the way for the next generation of leaders, some of whom will
surely emerge from these elections. In the meanwhile, the country's
leading opposition parties, who boycotted legislative elections in
July 2007 citing massive fraud in the 2007 Presidential elections,
have reluctantly agreed to participate in the election even though
they continue to vociferously argue for substantial revisions to the
electoral rolls which they deem corrupted. Thus, the foundation for
pre and post election tensions does exist. As election observers
the Embassy will not only be able to provide Washington thorough and
timely reporting but the very presence of international observers
may help to ensure that voting is carried out smoothly and without
trouble. It will also serve as a signal to the Senegalese and our
European and African partners that the U.S. is serious about
democracy and stability in Senegal and the region.

Thank you for your consideration

Bernicat