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