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Jobs, economy: important election issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO 2 November 2000
SARAJEVO, 2 November 2000 - Independent public opinion research indicates that people in Bosnia and Herzegovina consider "jobs and economic development" to be the most important issues for the 11 November general elections.
When asked to rank the two most important issues, a clear majority of respondents - 79 per cent - felt their elected representatives needed to concentrate on the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, the second most important issue for respondents (36%) was corruption and issues related to corruption.
"This information regarding key issues for the public is a clear indication to the political parties of BiH that the time for campaigning on platforms of fear is over," stated OSCE Head of Mission Ambassador Robert L. Barry. "Clear majorities among all the constitutive people of BiH are demanding the politicians of BiH work to reform the economy of BiH (83% of Serbs, 77% of Bosniaks, 70% of Croats).
"The people of BiH do not want to be relegated to the fringes of Europe. They want to move forward with the rest of the region. They want jobs. They want economic growth. They want the normal lives that they have so far been denied."
The survey gauged public attitudes towards corruption and key electoral issues. A total of 3,600 people participated in the poll, covering all areas of BiH. Overall, the poll demonstrated that a majority of BiH citizens feel corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina is at unacceptably high levels.
National interest, the fourth most important issue among BiH voters, was dwarfed by the demand for economic reform and job creation.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace, the OSCE Mission activities are to promote democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of
Professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the human rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage regional stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accord
For further information please contact Luke Zahner, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, ++ 387/(0)33 292-449 or ++387/(0)66 144-311.
When asked to rank the two most important issues, a clear majority of respondents - 79 per cent - felt their elected representatives needed to concentrate on the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, the second most important issue for respondents (36%) was corruption and issues related to corruption.
"This information regarding key issues for the public is a clear indication to the political parties of BiH that the time for campaigning on platforms of fear is over," stated OSCE Head of Mission Ambassador Robert L. Barry. "Clear majorities among all the constitutive people of BiH are demanding the politicians of BiH work to reform the economy of BiH (83% of Serbs, 77% of Bosniaks, 70% of Croats).
"The people of BiH do not want to be relegated to the fringes of Europe. They want to move forward with the rest of the region. They want jobs. They want economic growth. They want the normal lives that they have so far been denied."
The survey gauged public attitudes towards corruption and key electoral issues. A total of 3,600 people participated in the poll, covering all areas of BiH. Overall, the poll demonstrated that a majority of BiH citizens feel corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina is at unacceptably high levels.
National interest, the fourth most important issue among BiH voters, was dwarfed by the demand for economic reform and job creation.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace, the OSCE Mission activities are to promote democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of
Professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the human rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage regional stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accord
For further information please contact Luke Zahner, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, ++ 387/(0)33 292-449 or ++387/(0)66 144-311.