 |
Sarajevans Split on Bosnian Elections
From enthusiasm to pessimism,
By Kurt Schork
"I think elections could bring some changes but not big ones because the same people will likely remain in power," said 42-year old Ramiz Kurtovic, a professional soldier. "The September date is very good because any delay could increase tensions in Bosnia. I look forward to voting."
But Amela, a 34-year old teacher, was cynical and pessimistic about the entire exercise. "I am very negative about the elections. I don't think they will make any difference. This all a farce," she said. "We will never be united again. I think Bonsia will probably end up more divided rather than less. I have no confidence in the politicians. Since I will not participate it makes no difference if elections happen in September or later."
Voters in Bosnia's first country-wide, post-war election will choose a parliament to represent the entire country, assemblies for its Muslim-Croat federation and Serb republic and municipal and cantonal councils. A three-member Presidency with a single chairman will also be selected.
The Dayton peace agreement which marked an end to 43-months of war in Bosnia last December, assigned responsibility for supervising elections to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The OSCE chairman-in-office, Swiss Foreign Minister Flavio Cotti, announced on Tuesday that the elections would take place in September despite concerns that key preconditions have not yet been met. Dayton specifies that there must be freedom of movement, freedom of the press, and the removal from power, arrest and trial of individuals indicted for war crimes. All remain serious obstacles to free and fair elections in Bosnia.
Zlatko Lagumdzija, a prominent member of the opposition Social Democratic Party which will contest the fall elections, welcomed Cotti's announcement but cautioned that more progress must be made in meeting the conditions. "We don't have conditions for elections now but we should work on creating them over the next two months," Lagumdzija told Reuterss. "If we would have to hold elections under the current conditions then it would be better not to hold them at all. Bosnia and Bosnians would be trapped with no way out."
Goran, a 28-year-old architect recently returned from Vienna for a visit with his family in Sarajevo, saw the elections as the key to his final return to Bosnia. "I am living in Austria and I can't return to Sarajevo permanently until normalcy and economic opportunity are created here, which I hope elections might do," he said. "I don't want the nationalist parties to win. I want the parties which favour a unified Bosnia to win. I plan to vote, either here or in Vienna." |
SARAJEVO, June 25 (Reuters) - Sarajevans were deeply divided on Tuesday in their reactions to the international community's announcement that Bosnia-wide elections would be held on September 14.
Berserkistan, June 25 · OSCE Sets Bosnia’s Election Date for Sept. 24
Berserkistan, June 23 · Debate Continues over 'Flawed' Bosnian Elections
Berserkistan, June 22 · 48 Parties, 33 Independents Register for Bosnia’s Elections
June 8 · Special Report: In Bosnia, Skepticism over Fair Elections
Berserkistan is a world news service of Michael Linder Productions, Inc.
©1995-1996, All Rights Reserved