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International observers in Skopje: Referendum generally consistent with international standards
SKOPJE 8 November 2004
SKOPJE, 8 November 2004 - The 7 November referendum in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was generally consistent with OSCE and Council of Europe standards for democratic electoral processes, concluded the International Observation Mission to the Referendum, which published its preliminary findings today, based on the work of some 200 international observers.
The referendum day and preceding campaign were conducted in an overall calm and orderly manner. The limited cases of reported procedural or other irregularities did not appear to challenge the overall integrity of the process.
The mission was deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, (OSCE/ODIHR) and joined by representatives from the Council of Europe's (CoE) Parliamentary Assembly and its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe. The referendum was called in reference to legislation, which establishes new municipal boundaries throughout the country.
"I welcome the fact that the referendum took place without incident and that voters were able to base their choice on overall balanced media coverage, although it focused more on the broader political issues rather than the fundamental question of the referendum," said Ambassador Friedrich Bauer, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR mission. "However, the referendum was characterized by certain problems, which mainly related to incomplete, and in some cases outdated, legislation as well as inaccurate voter lists."
Zekeriya Akcam, Head of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly delegation, said the referendum was an opportunity to confirm the maturity and self-confidence of all the people of this country for the consolidation of democracy. "The political behavior of citizens showed that they were able to make an informed choice. We look forward to seeing this replicated in future elections."
Sean O'Brien, Head of the CoE Congress delegation, added: "The voting process was transparent and the secrecy of the vote was largely respected. We believe that further training of officials would alleviate some procedural irregularities that we observed."
The observation mission received reports of alleged intimidation, which reflect a certain atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust. This was reinforced by the perception that anyone going to the polling station was seen to be voting in favor of the referendum.
The referendum was noteworthy for several accomplishments. The State Election Commission operated in an efficient and consensual manner, and its decision to print the ballot papers in languages of all ethnic groups that comprise more than 20% of that particular municipality was commendable.
Shortcomings included the incomplete legislation and its interpretation, in particular the decision not to apply existing campaign regulations in the context of the referendum. The accuracy of voter lists was again questioned, however political parties did not make use of their legal right to review the lists.
On referendum day, observers reported that the voting was generally administered in an orderly and efficient manner. However, there were limited observed instances of polling stations that either failed to open on schedule or closed early, and isolated cases of reported intimidation and ballot stuffing. Instances of inattention to procedural details were observed during counting and tabulation of votes.
The referendum day and preceding campaign were conducted in an overall calm and orderly manner. The limited cases of reported procedural or other irregularities did not appear to challenge the overall integrity of the process.
The mission was deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, (OSCE/ODIHR) and joined by representatives from the Council of Europe's (CoE) Parliamentary Assembly and its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe. The referendum was called in reference to legislation, which establishes new municipal boundaries throughout the country.
"I welcome the fact that the referendum took place without incident and that voters were able to base their choice on overall balanced media coverage, although it focused more on the broader political issues rather than the fundamental question of the referendum," said Ambassador Friedrich Bauer, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR mission. "However, the referendum was characterized by certain problems, which mainly related to incomplete, and in some cases outdated, legislation as well as inaccurate voter lists."
Zekeriya Akcam, Head of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly delegation, said the referendum was an opportunity to confirm the maturity and self-confidence of all the people of this country for the consolidation of democracy. "The political behavior of citizens showed that they were able to make an informed choice. We look forward to seeing this replicated in future elections."
Sean O'Brien, Head of the CoE Congress delegation, added: "The voting process was transparent and the secrecy of the vote was largely respected. We believe that further training of officials would alleviate some procedural irregularities that we observed."
The observation mission received reports of alleged intimidation, which reflect a certain atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust. This was reinforced by the perception that anyone going to the polling station was seen to be voting in favor of the referendum.
The referendum was noteworthy for several accomplishments. The State Election Commission operated in an efficient and consensual manner, and its decision to print the ballot papers in languages of all ethnic groups that comprise more than 20% of that particular municipality was commendable.
Shortcomings included the incomplete legislation and its interpretation, in particular the decision not to apply existing campaign regulations in the context of the referendum. The accuracy of voter lists was again questioned, however political parties did not make use of their legal right to review the lists.
On referendum day, observers reported that the voting was generally administered in an orderly and efficient manner. However, there were limited observed instances of polling stations that either failed to open on schedule or closed early, and isolated cases of reported intimidation and ballot stuffing. Instances of inattention to procedural details were observed during counting and tabulation of votes.