FEFA ASSESSES PROGRESS, SOME IRREGULARITIES IN

UNCLAS KABUL 001211

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PGOV AF
SUBJECT: FEFA ASSESSES PROGRESS, SOME IRREGULARITIES IN
CANDIDATE REGISTRATION

REF: A. KABUL 1136

B. KABUL 891


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: FEFA, the Afghan election observer
organization, noted both positive developments and some
irregularities in its assessment of the candidate
registration process at its May 11 press conference. Looking
ahead, FEFA called for the Media Commission and the Electoral
Complaints Commission (ECC) to begin their electoral
safeguards work promptly. FEFA's read-out showed again the
sharp contrast between its strong grassroots data collection
network and its weak analytical capabilities (reftels.) We
will follow up with FEFA to seek more precision about some of
its findings, and will continue to look for ways to provide
technical support. END SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) Executive director Jandad Spinghar opened his calm,
steady remarks by noting the absence of any security
incidents that could have affected the process. He praised
the Independent Elections Commission (IEC) for its work in
organizing adequate staffing and materials in all the
provinces, an accomplishment made more remarkable by
Afghanistan's scarce human resources, weak infrastructure,
and difficult terrain.


3. (SBU) As for irregularities, Spinghar cited several
types. Most importantly, FEFA observed that, on 15
occasions, "powerful individuals," not linked to the
government but not further identified, threatened provincial
council candidates. FEFA did not report whether the
candidates themselves or other sources provided its
information, and did not specify the nature of the threats.
These 15 incidents took place in Uruzgan, Farah, Balkh, Ghor,
Badghis, Takhar, and Sar-e-pul provinces.


4. (SBU) FEFA reported two types of misuse of government
resources, totaling 100 observed or reported incidents. In
Kabul, Parwan, Balkh, Baghlan, and Kandahar, provincial
council members and district governors used their government
vehicles and bodyguards while registering as provincial
council candidates. FEFA did not describe whether these
official resources were used for transport of the would-be
candidates, or in collection of voter signatures. In
Nangarhar and Kandahar, some government officials organized
gatherings in support of several provincial council
candidates.


5. (SBU) FEFA observers in the provinces of Parwan, Balkh,
Logar, and Baghlan each reported one case where local
electoral officials, based on personal ties, displayed
favoritism toward a provincial council candidate. FEFA did
not detail the nature of the display of favoritism.


6. (SBU) FEFA also noted two irregularities which we judge
minor. Spinghar briefed that, while President Karzai filed
his registration papers at the IEC, the presidential security
detail for several hours blocked access to the IEC, which
prevented other presidential candidates from registering
during that period. FEFA argued that the IEC failed to
provide equitable access to all candidates because the
candidate information packages arrived late in some areas.
Registration packages, however, all arrived on time.
EIKENBERRY