Cablegate: Sierra Leone Local Elections Update

VZCZCXRO0246
OO RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0323 1871541
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 051541Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2023
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000323

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PGOV PREL SL
SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE LOCAL ELECTIONS UPDATE

REF: A. FREETOWN 315
B. FREETOWN 314

1. (SBU) As of 1500 hours, Sierra Leone's local elections
have proceeded smoothly and peacefully. Emboffs observing the
elections estimate voter turnout from opening of polls at
0700 hours to be 40%, though precedent from the 2007
Presidential run-off indicates a late afternoon surge of
voters is likely. Mission monitoring teams will observe the
counting process following the polls' closing at 1700 hours,
and will report any significant status changes via septel, as
necessary.
PERRY

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