OSCE/ODIHR to send expanded observation mission to monitor Macedonian elections
The OSCE deploys observers to monitor the conduct of elections in participating States. (Lubomir Kotek/OSCE) Photo details
SKOPJE, 28 February 2002 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will send an expanded observation mission to monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
"The next parliamentary elections are of far-reaching significance for the future political development in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", said ODIHR Director Ambassador Gérard Stoudmann today concluding a three-day visit to Skopje to assess preparations for the elections. "The responsibility for the upcoming electoral process rests with the authorities of the country. The ODIHR stands ready to assist the authorities and civil society in this crucial event."
In view of the importance of the next elections, the ODIHR plans to deploy an observation mission which will stay longer in the country and will be larger in size than previous missions. The ODIHR will co-ordinate its activities with the non-partisan domestic observer organization "Citizens for the Citizens" and other representatives of civil society.
The ODIHR delegation welcomed the ongoing discussions among political parties on the date of the elections and the adoption of a new election law, but urged the parties to solve these issues urgently in order to ensure appropriate preparations for the elections. "An inadequate time span between the adoption of a new election law and election day would undermine technical preparations, training of election officials and voter information campaign", said Ambassador Stoudmann.
In November 2001, the ODIHR submitted to the authorities an analysis of the existing legislation and suggested a set of improvements necessary to ensure the integrity of the election process and implement the Ohrid Agreement requirements.
During the visit, the ODIHR delegation met with the Prime Minister, representatives of the Presidential Administration, Government, international community and civil society.
"The next parliamentary elections are of far-reaching significance for the future political development in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", said ODIHR Director Ambassador Gérard Stoudmann today concluding a three-day visit to Skopje to assess preparations for the elections. "The responsibility for the upcoming electoral process rests with the authorities of the country. The ODIHR stands ready to assist the authorities and civil society in this crucial event."
In view of the importance of the next elections, the ODIHR plans to deploy an observation mission which will stay longer in the country and will be larger in size than previous missions. The ODIHR will co-ordinate its activities with the non-partisan domestic observer organization "Citizens for the Citizens" and other representatives of civil society.
The ODIHR delegation welcomed the ongoing discussions among political parties on the date of the elections and the adoption of a new election law, but urged the parties to solve these issues urgently in order to ensure appropriate preparations for the elections. "An inadequate time span between the adoption of a new election law and election day would undermine technical preparations, training of election officials and voter information campaign", said Ambassador Stoudmann.
In November 2001, the ODIHR submitted to the authorities an analysis of the existing legislation and suggested a set of improvements necessary to ensure the integrity of the election process and implement the Ohrid Agreement requirements.
During the visit, the ODIHR delegation met with the Prime Minister, representatives of the Presidential Administration, Government, international community and civil society.