Except of some previous irregularities occuring again, second round of the presidential elections, held on January 16th, was conducted in a democratic atmosphere according to the electional law. Although GONG?s preliminary overall assesment of the second round of the elections is positive, irregularities with the voters lists and serious violations of electional silence were registered again. (JAN-17-05)
For the second round GONG deployed 1000 observers and 79 mobile teams. In addition, GONG deployed six mobile teams in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where yesterday voted more than 40000 voters. The number of observers in BiH is increased because of reasonouble doubt in possible violations of election process. ? Citizens with residence in Croatia could again vote in Bosnia and Herzegovina without a certificate for voting abroad, which leaves space for multiple voting ? stands in GONG statement. Appart from that, GONG observers reported on intensive adding of voters on voters lists in several cities in BiH on the election day.
Despite the fact that most of the irregularities occured abroad, major problem in Croatia was once again violation of electional silence. However, unlike in the first round when only media violated the electional silence, this time electional silence was violated by partisans and fans of Jadranka Kosor. ? We noticed systematic and organized campaigning in favour of Jadranka Kosor in at least 30 cities throughout Croatia ? said Suzana Jasic, president of GONG for ?Jutarnji list?.
Except of electional silence violations and poorly prepared voters lists, GONG registered other shortcomings and violations of electional procedures like nonverification of voters identity, family voting and incomplete or partisan composed polling station commissions.
The work of State Election Commission during the whole process, was assesed as fair, although GONG recommends that it should be fulltime and professionalized state body.
New Croatian president is Stipe Mesic, who filled this post until the January elections. In the second round of the presidential elections 66% of voters placed their confidence in him and secured him new five year mandate.
