Cablegate: Joint Demarche On Electoral Code

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P 311108Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1692
INFO AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS
AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM
AMEMBASSY PRETORIA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000444

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PGOV BY
SUBJECT: JOINT DEMARCHE ON ELECTORAL CODE

1. The following text was presented to the heads of the
principal political parties August 29 as part of a diplomatic
effort to encourage Burundian consensus on an Electoral Code
for the 2010 elections. Post will provide further details in
septel.

2. BEGIN TEXT.

Common demarche from South Africa, Tanzania, the United
States, the European Union and the United Nations

We have followed the consultative process that brought about
a CENI that now seems to enjoy the legitimacy and trust of
the main stakeholders. We also followed with equal interest
the process that culminated in a draft electoral law which,
despite initial difficulties, seemed to have ironed out the
main points of contention. That text was subsequently
transmitted to the Parliament.

We have been hearing since then that there may be a breakdown
in the consensus that made that compromise text possible.

We came to see you as representatives of the international
community at large to express our concern at what seems to be
an unfortunate turn of events. We wish to encourage you
individually and collectively to find ways to ensure that the
final text enjoys a broad based support. This will enhance
its legitimacy and help create a proper legal framework for
free, fair and peaceful electoral process.

We are not here to offer views or advice on the issues that
may be at the origin of the ongoing debate between the main
parties. We simply came as your partners who share your
commitment to help make the electoral process another
milestone in Burundi's endeavor to consolidate peace and
democracy. END TEXT.

END TEXT.
Twining

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