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EASC orders new elections for Bihac mayor
SARAJEVO 13 July 2000
SARAJEVO, 12 July 2000 - The Election Appeals Sub-Commission (EASC) has ruled on a number of complaints submitted by Bihac opposition parties and has ordered the Bihac Municipal Assembly to hold a new election for Mayor within 15 days. The complaints that were submitted initially to the Provisional Election Commission (PEC) focussed on allegations of intimidation, bribery and a lack of voting secrecy during the election for Mayor held at the inaugural session of the Bihac Municipal Assembly on May 25, 2000. These allegations were further supported by observations of several international agencies in Bihac. The PEC had referred the case on June 5, 2000 to the EASC for investigation and adjudication. An extensive EASC investigation substantiated that intimidation and a lack of secrecy in the vote for Mayor of Bihac could have altered the results.
The allegations of bribery however could not be substantiated. In its decision the EASC censures the Una Sana Canton Minister Muhamed Kasumovic for inappropriate behavior at this inaugural session, which contributed to the atmosphere of intimidation which may have influenced the outcome of the vote for the Bihac Mayor. Further the EASC decided that the lack of secrecy in the vote for the Bihac Mayor was unacceptable and annulled this election.
The Bihac Municipal Assembly is ordered to hold a new election for the mayor's position within 15 days of the decision and to consult with OSCE Field Office Bihac to ensure that the election is conducted in compliance with the PEC Rules and Regulations.
Any changes in mandates or resignations resulting from the initial mayoral election must revert to the pre-election status, except for the PEC's removal of Besim Saric of the BSP party, for the violation of article 7.16 of the Rules and Regulations on illegal occupancy. His replacement from the BSP party will vote in his place. The decisions of the EASC are final and cannot be appealed.
For more information please refer to the EASC Decision No. 00-IMP-03, or call OSCEDeputy Spokesperson Sanela T. Becirovic at 033/292-338 or 066/134-758.
The allegations of bribery however could not be substantiated. In its decision the EASC censures the Una Sana Canton Minister Muhamed Kasumovic for inappropriate behavior at this inaugural session, which contributed to the atmosphere of intimidation which may have influenced the outcome of the vote for the Bihac Mayor. Further the EASC decided that the lack of secrecy in the vote for the Bihac Mayor was unacceptable and annulled this election.
The Bihac Municipal Assembly is ordered to hold a new election for the mayor's position within 15 days of the decision and to consult with OSCE Field Office Bihac to ensure that the election is conducted in compliance with the PEC Rules and Regulations.
Any changes in mandates or resignations resulting from the initial mayoral election must revert to the pre-election status, except for the PEC's removal of Besim Saric of the BSP party, for the violation of article 7.16 of the Rules and Regulations on illegal occupancy. His replacement from the BSP party will vote in his place. The decisions of the EASC are final and cannot be appealed.
For more information please refer to the EASC Decision No. 00-IMP-03, or call OSCEDeputy Spokesperson Sanela T. Becirovic at 033/292-338 or 066/134-758.