OSCE/ODIHR deploys election observation mission to Skopje

SKOPJE, 13 February 2009 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today deployed an election observation mission to Skopje for the country's 22 March presidential and municipal elections.

The deployment of the mission follows an invitation from the Foreign Minister. The 2009 presidential and municipal elections come less than one year after the June 2008 early parliamentary elections, which ODIHR assessed as not meeting key OSCE commitments.

The mission, headed by Peter Eicher (United States), consists of 12 international experts based in Skopje. In addition, 22 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 19 February. Members of the core team and long-term observers are drawn from 25 OSCE participating States.

The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with principles for democratic electoral processes, including commitments agreed to by all OSCE participating States, as well as national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant governmental bodies, election-related legislation and its implementation, the media environment and the resolution of election-related disputes.

Shortly before election day, approximately 300 short-term observers will be deployed throughout the country to monitor the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results.

ODIHR has observed 10 elections in the country since 1997.

More information on the mission, including a needs assessment report, can be found on the OSCE website at //www.osce.org/odihr-elections/item_12_36235.html

The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje operate separately under their specific mandates.