Parliamentary Elections, 4 December 2011

Following an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Croatia and in accordance with its mandate OSCE/ODIHR has deployed a limited election observation mission (LEOM) to observe the 4 December parliamentary elections.

ODIHR conducted a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) from 21 to 23 September 2011 to assess the pre-election environment and the preparations for the parliamentary elections and in order to recommend whether to deploy an OSCE/ODIHR election-related activity for the forthcoming elections, and if so, what type of activity best meets the identified needs. The NAM recommended the deployment of a limited election observation mission.

Long-term Observation

The OSCE/ODIHR LEOM, headed by Ambassador Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, began work on 9 November. The LEOM has a core team of ten international staff at the head office in Zagreb, drawn from nine OSCE participating States. Six long-term observers are expected to arrive in the country by 14 November and will be deployed in teams of two throughout the regions.

The mission will assess these elections for compliance with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as national legislation. Observers will follow campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, implementation of the legislative framework, and the resolution of election disputes. As part of the observation, the LEOM will conduct comprehensive monitoring of the media.

Previous Elections

ODIHR has observed eight elections in Croatia since 1997, most recently the 2009/10 presidential election. ODIHR concluded in its final report that these elections “complied overall with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections,” although continued efforts “are necessary to address remaining issues.”