OSCE/ODIHR to deploy large-scale observation mission for upcoming Macedonian elections

SKOPJE, 4 July 2002 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will soon begin deploying a large-scale and long-term observation mission for the upcoming Macedonian parliamentary elections. This was made public by the Director of the OSCE/ODIHR in Skopje following today's official announcement that the elections will be held on 15 September.

"We hope that the massive presence of international observers before and during election day will contribute to a proper conduct of these crucial elections and increase public confidence in the vote", said Ambassador Gérard Stoudmann who is concluding a two-day visit to Skopje today. "But of course it is for the Government, the authorities and the political parties to ensure a fair electoral process."

In view of the importance of the upcoming elections for the stability of the country and the region as a whole, the OSCE/ODIHR plans to deploy a reinforced election observation mission with a longer-term mandate which will be larger in size than previous missions. Up to 750 short-term observers and more than 50 mid-term and long-term monitors and election experts will ensure that the entire electoral process including voting, counting and tabulation procedures is observed closely throughout the whole country.

Preparations for the deployment of the mission are already underway. The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission plans to open its headquarters in Skopje and regional offices for the long-term observers during the week starting 22 July. The bulk of the short-term observers will arrive approximately one week before election day. The Mission will be headed by Julian Peel Yates (United Kingdom) who has extensive working experience in the country and the region.