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OSCE reacts to call for "referendum" in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO 30 October 2000
SARAJEVO, 30 October 2000 - The OSCE reminds all parties, candidates and lists of candidates running in the November 2000 general elections that the election silence begins 24 hours before polls open on Saturday, November 11, and ends after the polls close on November 11.
The Provisional Election Commission's Rules and Regulations clearly state that political party activities cannot take place during this period.
The OSCE has clearly stated its position with regard to the HDZ-led initiative to hold a so-called "referendum" - in reality, an "expression of opinion". This is a political party activity and any result will have no legal effect. If the parties involved want to affect changes along the lines of those proposed they need to be done according to the provisions set forth for amending the BiH or entity Constitutions or the relevant legislation.
The OSCE has also been clear that any violations of the Rules and Regulations will be forwarded to the Election Appeals Sub-Commission (EASC) for adjudication.
"In this critical pre-election period political parties need to address the issues of real concern to the voter - jobs, corruption, education, the need to prepare for integration in Europe. I believe the voter here is fed up with appeals to fear and efforts to stir up nationalist fervour. Fear will not put bread on the table, attract foreign investment, or prepare BiH for association with Europe," OSCE Head of Mission Robert Barry said.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
For further information please contact Luke Zahner, spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, ++ 387/(0)33 292-449 or ++387/(0)66 144-311.
The Provisional Election Commission's Rules and Regulations clearly state that political party activities cannot take place during this period.
The OSCE has clearly stated its position with regard to the HDZ-led initiative to hold a so-called "referendum" - in reality, an "expression of opinion". This is a political party activity and any result will have no legal effect. If the parties involved want to affect changes along the lines of those proposed they need to be done according to the provisions set forth for amending the BiH or entity Constitutions or the relevant legislation.
The OSCE has also been clear that any violations of the Rules and Regulations will be forwarded to the Election Appeals Sub-Commission (EASC) for adjudication.
"In this critical pre-election period political parties need to address the issues of real concern to the voter - jobs, corruption, education, the need to prepare for integration in Europe. I believe the voter here is fed up with appeals to fear and efforts to stir up nationalist fervour. Fear will not put bread on the table, attract foreign investment, or prepare BiH for association with Europe," OSCE Head of Mission Robert Barry said.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
For further information please contact Luke Zahner, spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, ++ 387/(0)33 292-449 or ++387/(0)66 144-311.