“The February 2008 presidential elections were significantly flawed,” the State Department said in its latest report detailing its efforts to promote democracy and human rights around the world. The report was released yesterday. “Problems included favorable treatment of the government’s candidate, instances of ballot stuffing, vote-buying, multiple voting, voter intimidation, violence against opposition commission members and proxies, and suspiciously high turnout figures,” added the report. “On March 1, 2008, the government imposed a state of emergency and used force to disperse large crowds of protesters, restricting media freedoms and the right of assembly and arresting scores of protesters. The clashes between protesters and security services resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people. The state of emergency was lifted March 20, 2008, but restrictions on civil liberties remain in force due to a strict new law on public gatherings, pressure on opposition media, and continuing arrests and intimidation of government opponents. The government’s human rights record remained poor.” “Citizens were not able to freely change their government; authorities beat pretrial detainees; the National Security Service and the national police force acted with impunity; authorities engaged in arbitrary arrest and detention; courts remained subject to political pressure from the executive branch; prison conditions were cramped and unhealthy, although slowly improving; and authorities imposed restrictions on citizens’ privacy, freedom of press, and freedom of assembly. Journalists continued to practice self censorship, and the government and laws restricted religious freedom. Violence against women remained a problem, as well as trafficking in persons, discrimination against persons with disabilities, and societal harassment of homosexuals. There were reports of forced labor,” reads the report. “A weekly television program before the presidential election focused on ethical issues for journalists to consider in election coverage. With U.S. funding, local NGOs continue to pursue initiatives to promote human rights, democratic development, fair and transparent electoral processes, and civil society. Through a strong, consolidated effort, U.S. and NGO advocacy played a role in keeping Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on the air,” says the report.
