Parliamentary Elections, 19-20 June 1998

Following an invitation from the Czech Foreign Ministry, ODIHR deployed an election observation mission on 13 May to assess the election process culminating in parliamentary elections held on 19-20 June.

Headed by Mark Power-Stevens of the United Kingom, the mission include seven long-term experts and 70 short-term observers, including a 24-person delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

The mission's final report provided the following summary of conclusions:

• The 1998 elections to the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic were carried out in accordance with the law and were conducted in a transparent manner, enjoying the confidence of political parties and the public.
• The electronic and print media generally gave a full and balanced coverage of the election campaign and the competing political parties, with all parties enjoying a fair level of exposure.
• There needs to be clarification on some aspects of the election law, particularly with regard to the registration of parties for the election and the regulations pertaining to the election campaign.
• Election days were very well organised and voters participated in large numbers and in a calm and orderly manner. Polling Station officials carried out the process in an efficient manner and in general accordance with the electoral provisions.
• The OSCE Observation Mission concludes that the 1998 elections for the Chamber of Deputies were held in accordance with the Czech Republic’s commitments as an OSCE participating State."