PAVLETIC RECEIVES MEMBERS OF NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

ZAGREB, Jan 21 (Hina) - The President of the Croatian National Sabor and Croatia's acting president, Vlatko Pavletic on Friday received a delegation of the Croatian National Electoral Commission, headed by Commission's President Marjan Ramuscak, who presented Pavletic with a report on the implemented parliamentary elections, held on January 2 and 3, and the repeated elections at 11 polls on January 16. Ramuscak said that the National Electoral Commission conducted all duties of monitoring and the organisation of parliamentary elections in ten electoral units in Croatia, a unit for members of national minorities, and polls for the Diaspora in 47 countries. Fifty five political parties, 20 independent lists, 30 representatives of national minorities, namely a total of 4,600 candidates participated in the elections, Ramuscak said. The electoral procedure was monitored by over 6,00 international and domestic observers. The elections were conducted peacefully without irregularities and incidents, Ramuscak stressed. He added that the national electoral Commission received the highest mark and awards for professional and completely open activities from international organisations which were carefully observing the elections. We are glad that Croatia, by this elections, confirmed its place in the European community of nations. We contributed to this with our activities, Ramuscak said. Pavletic said that elections in Europe were adopted with great understanding and acknowledgement, and that Croatia, passed a great exam in democracy, by implementing the most transparent elections. He expressed belief that the upcoming presidential election would be implemented in the same way. (hina) it mm