GONG:PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CONDUCTED CORRECTLY

ZAGREB, Jan 25 (Hina) - The non-governmental organisation GONG (The Organised Monitoring of Election by Citizens) told a news conference after the Monday midnight that Croatia's presidential election were conducted in the correct manner, although a part of eligible voters were prevented from exercising their right to vote. GONG cited severe winter weather conditions, a lack of flexibility of state institutions, unorganised voting at most hospitals, and a lack of information of citizens about deadlines for registering at voters' rolls as main causes for the above-mentioned problem about the exercise of the right to vote. GONG observers noticed several irregularities which did not substantially affect the course of the voting on Monday, GONG executive director Suzana Jasic said. According to this NGO's monitors most polling stations were open on 07.00 am Monday as scheduled, except on places where there were delays due to inclement weather. GONG pointed to posters of some presidential candidates in vicinity of polling stations as an irregularity. In addition, some members of electoral committees suggested to voters for whom they should cast ballots. GONG reported presence of policemen inside and near polling stations. Some polling committees and political parties' monitors treated GONG observers unfairly, and there were cases of the breach of the ban on electioneering, Jasic added. She reiterated that those irregularities did not affect the results of the ballot. (hina) ms