Cablegate: Drc Election Day: Sitrep 2, 10/29 1230

VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKI #1672 3021145
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 291145Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5065
INFO RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001672

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPKO CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: DRC ELECTION DAY: SITREP 2, 10/29 1230

REF: KINSHASA 1671

1. Despite isolated problems, observers continue to report
generally smooth, orderly voting throughout the country in
the October 29 DRC elections. Without exception, voters
seem to be familiar with the process, which has helped reduce
the amount of time people are spending waiting to vote.

2. Observers' anecdotes describe a purposeful, largely
peaceful process in which the voters know their chosen
candidates and are familiar with the process. The DCM, who
is participating as an accredited observer, reported seeing
"old ladies with canes fighting the mud" in order to reach
the polling stations, as well as seeing an "orderly and good
natured" group of people chanting near one voting center.

3. Small problems have been registered in some regions. In
Bukavu, South Kivu province, party witnesses of Vice
President Bemba's MLC reportedly showed up with voter cards
that were not their own. In Kindu, Maniema province, police
removed representatives of one provincial assembly candidate
who were attempting to influence voters outside a polling
station.

4. MONUC reports uneven turnout around the country. In
Bukavu, 15-20 percent of registered voters had already voted
by 9:00 a.m. In Kindu, turnout was low, although as in
Kinshasa (reftel) increased numbers of voters were expected
after church services. In Mbuji-Mayi, turnout has been
possibly 60 percent in the city itself, with high turnout
reported throughout Eastern Kasai.

5. In Kinshasa, low turnout is largely attributable to the
rain, which has continued steadily since 3:00 a.m. At some
voting stations, only about 10 percent of registered voters
had been through their poll stations by 1100. Others report
slightly higher numbers, with one center estimating that 50
percent had voted by 1100.

6. Party witnesses continue to show up in large numbers.
Some of the centers have been unable to accommodate all of
the national and international observers, but none have
reported any problems on account of the high numbers.
MEECE

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