ZAGREB HOSTING LARGEST ELECTION OBSERVER FORUM IN EUROPE

ZAGREB, June 25 (Hina) - Election observers from all over Europe met in Zagreb on Wednesday to identify strategies to improve the efficiency and professionalism of observer groups, read a statement by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). #L# The five-day Zagreb event, which has pooled more than 30 observer groups, is the largest observer forum held so far. It has been organised by the ODIHR and the Network of Europeans for Electoral and Democracy Support, with sponsorship from the European Commission. In the last 15 years, local citizens' organisations have played a significant role in strengthening democratic transition, with thousands of citizens joining domestic observer groups to monitor elections in their countries, read the statement. Governments are increasingly recognising the value of domestic observer groups at ballots, but in some countries these groups face difficulties in doing their job, the statement said. The support of the OSCE, ODIHR, and the European Commission refers to the deployment of professional, credible and impartial observer groups so they can contribute to consolidating democracy in the region and wider, the statement said. (hina) ha sb