ODIHR deploys election observation mission to former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

WARSAW/SKOPJE, 30 April 2008 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is deploying an election observation mission for the 1 June pre-term parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The deployment of the mission follows an invitation from the Foreign Minister on 19 April. The invitation was issued after parliament voted to dissolve itself on 12 April, a move supported by 70 of the 120 members of parliament.

The mission, headed by Ambassador Robert Barry (United States), consists of eleven international experts based in Skopje. In addition, 20 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 6 May. Members of the core team and long-term observers are drawn from 17 OSCE participating States.

The mission will assess the election for its compliance with principles for democratic electoral processes, including commitments agreed to by all OSCE participating States, as well as national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant governmental bodies, election-related legislation and its implementation, the media environment, and the resolution of election-related disputes.

Shortly before election day, an additional 250 short-term observers will be deployed throughout the country to monitor the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots, and the tabulation of results.

The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje operate separately under their specific mandates.