GONG: WE DO NOT WANT TO INFLUENCE VOTERS

ZAGREB, Jan 11 (Hina) - GONG, a non-government organisation which gathers citizens who monitor elections, on Tuesday issued a statement regarding reactions by the media, citizens, and the electoral headquarters of presidential candidate Mate Granic, which GONG received following today's news conference at which its officials quoted citizens' reports as saying that signatures for Granic's candidacy were being gathered at public service offices. According to the statement, GONG does not support any party or candidate both in the parliamentary and presidential elections. "It is not our intention or goal to influence the electorate and their selection of candidates, and we certainly did not intend to affect the presidential candidate Mate Granic's campaign with the information published," read the statement, signed by GONG executive director Suzana Jasic. GONG also expressed hope that citizens would vote at the upcoming election in line with their conscience and wishes, and called on the electorate to go to the polls in large numbers. The organisation wished presidential candidates to complete their campaigns as they had started them, in a fair and tolerant manner. (hina) rml