ZAGREB, Jan 8 (Hina) - The Croatian Interior Ministry has undertaken a series of measures and activities aimed at maintaining a good level of public order and peace and general security during the pre-electoral campaign and the
presidential election on January 24, Assistant Interior Minister Josko Moric said on Saturday. On election day, police will stop any attempt aimed at preventing or obstructing the voting, or at the destruction, damaging or stealing of electoral material, Moric told reporters in Zagreb. He reminded the Law on Public Assembly binds organisers to announce rallies five, or two days at the latest, prior to their commencement. Given the high number of public rallies and possible changes in locations, the Interior Ministry will not insist on formal and unconditional compliance with the deadlines, Moric said. The Interior Ministry has forwarded letters to all presidential c
ZAGREB, Jan 8 (Hina) - The Croatian Interior Ministry has
undertaken a series of measures and activities aimed at maintaining
a good level of public order and peace and general security during
the pre-electoral campaign and the presidential election on
January 24, Assistant Interior Minister Josko Moric said on
Saturday.
On election day, police will stop any attempt aimed at preventing or
obstructing the voting, or at the destruction, damaging or stealing
of electoral material, Moric told reporters in Zagreb.
He reminded the Law on Public Assembly binds organisers to announce
rallies five, or two days at the latest, prior to their
commencement. Given the high number of public rallies and possible
changes in locations, the Interior Ministry will not insist on
formal and unconditional compliance with the deadlines, Moric
said.
The Interior Ministry has forwarded letters to all presidential
candidates reminding them of the obligations of pre-electoral
rally organisers, and suggesting measures for ensuring their own
safety, said Moric.
He added the candidates were told the interior Ministry so far had
no knowledge which might indicate that their safety was in danger,
but suggested they contact the Ministry in order that police take
preventive measures to raise the level of their safety during the
pre-electoral period and on election day.
In cases of serious danger to public rallies or the presidential
candidates, the Interior Ministry will perform thorough
inspections of each rally location.
On rally days, police will perform three anti-explosive check-ups
and draw up a rally location security system, and set up check-
points at which arms and objects which may cause injury, as well as
persons whose attire or behaviour might call on or incite
intolerance or violence, will be removed.
On election day, all polling stations will undergo an anti-
explosive inspection. Inconspicuous and discreet patrols will be
stationed nearby, but police are banned from coming to polling
stations unless summoned by the president of the electoral
commission, said Moric.
(hina) ha