OSCE observers visit a polling station during the second round of local elections in Moldova, 8 June. to electoral legislation that resulted in the adoption of a new Montenegro. This collaboration followed an ODIHR-facilitat- Electoral Code by parliament in July. ed discussion between the main political forces on possible amendments to the republic's electoral law to ensure au- The ODIHR also initiated a seminar that was conducted joint- thentic participation of national minorities in elections. The ly with the Central Election Commission of Belarus. The sem- ODIHR also reprinted its Guidelines To Assist National Mi- inar, funded by the European Commission, was entitled In- nority Participation in the Electoral Process. ternational Election Standards and Electoral Law Reform. This technical-assistance project was intended to provide an on-
Support to domestic election observers going framework for discussions between the authorities, The ODIHR continued to support the work of domestic elec- election administration, political parties, and a broad spec- tion observers through the organization of a forum and pub- trum of civil society on electoral law reform. However, con- lication of a handbook. The forum, organized in Zagreb in trary to the ODIHR’s position that the electoral law should be June to fulfil a recommendation from the 2001 Human Di- reformed to enhance confidence, transparency, and account- mension Seminar, was attended by representatives from ability, electoral law reform does not appear to be foreseen around 30 domestic observer groups, making it the largest prior to parliamentary elections expected in the fall of 2004. gathering of its kind ever held in Europe. At its close, participants adopted a declaration urging participating States to
Support to national mi- ensure their rights, particular- nority participation in the ly to effectively observe all as- electoral process pects of the electoral process In 2003, the ODIHR continued and receive financial contribu- its efforts to ensure more ef- tions from national and inter- fective participation of nation- national sources. They also al minorities in the electoral approved a document enti- process, working closely with tled “The Zagreb Commit- the OSCE Office in Montene- ments”, which outlines their gro to initiate a broad debate responsibilities in a common on the participation of minori- approach to domestic obser- ties in the electoral process in vation. The Handbook for 12