OSCE Mission Head urges Croatian Government to support refugee vote in parliamentary elections

ZAGREB, 6 November 2003 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, Ambassador Peter Semneby today urged the Government of Croatia to increase its support for out-of-country refugee voters during the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Speaking after meetings with the ministries of foreign affairs and justice and the State election commission in recent days, Ambassador Semneby suggested that the Government considers simplifying registration procedures, organizes easy access to an adequate number of polling stations and informs refugee voters as appropriate ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for 23 November.

"Many of these voters are particularly disadvantaged in relation to other categories of voters in that they may lack necessary information on registration procedures and deadlines," Ambassador Semneby said. He pointed out that it might be difficult to contact the refugees and that in many cases it can be difficult for them to reach embassies or consular services, and their documents might not always be in proper order.

"The election is an excellent opportunity to encourage the civic and political participation of the refugees. We have advised the government to intensify negotiations with the countries hosting refugees as a means to support their reintegration into the Croatian social fabric" said the Head of the OSCE Mission.

Out-of-country voting will take place on 22 and 23 November. The deadline for voter registration expires on 8 November.

The total number of votes cast in the 2000 Parliamentary elections by refugees was extremely low.