ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN FOR BH MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS BEGINS

SARAJEVO, Feb 23 (Hina) - The head of the OSCE Mission in Bosnia- Herzegovina, Robert Barry, on Wednesday marked the official beginning of electoral campaigning for the country's municipal election, to take place on April 8. Barry said the message of the OSCE Mission to BH citizens was simple - elections can bring changes, the way it happened in Croatia recently. If the voters want changes, they have to show it by going to the polls, Barry told reporters in Sarajevo. The election date was firmly set and cannot be postponed, he added. A total of 68 political parties, 18 independent candidates and seven coalitions have registered for the election. Almost 21,000 candidates will compete for 3,300 seats on municipal assemblies and the Mostar City Council. According to official regulations, which were drawn up by local authorities and the OSCE, 2,460,000 citizens, of whom 220,000 live abroad, have the right to vote. Compared to 1998, the number of registered voters has increased by some 127,000. General elections should also be held in the country by the end of this year, however, whether they will take place depends on the adoption of a permanent electoral law. (hina) mm rml