After numerous publis disscusions, Croatian Government definitely set January 2nd 2005 as a date for next presidential election. Judging by the quantity of affairs that shake Croatia at the moment, campaign already started and it seems it is going to be most controversial so far. (3-DEC-04)
The latest, already linked with the forthcoming elections, financially hit GONG, non-governmental organization entrusted with the supervision of the elections. Namely, Ministry of Finances penalized GONG with 31.000 kn (cca 4500 eur) because of alleged currency manipulations with donations GONG received during 2003. This penalty came as a result of two-month inspection of whole GONG´s foreign-exchange transactions during 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Conducted inspection accuses GONG for not placing the donation of 2000 € on the foreign-exchange account, as well as for delivering false reimbursment passwords twice to the bank during 2002. Above all, GONG is accussed of finacial improprieties in registering «foreign trade and credit affairs», despite the fact that GONG has a transparent record keeping and issues annualy it´s financial report to the public.
It is, however, indicative that the Currency Inspectorate visited GONG during their action against government decision forcing NGO´s to pay Value Added Tax (VAT). Linked to this, and especially regarding the fact that GONG will supervise forthcoming elections, GONG´s qualification of this act as an «exercise of state force over civil society» seems to be justified.
