State Election Commission (SEC) finished all its tasks and duties on time, starting from the calendar, establishment of electoral lists, draw… The only thing left to be done is that political parties send political representatives to electoral boards so that the online training can begin. I call on political parties to deliver the names of the members of electoral boards as soon as possible, says in the interview with Dnevne novine president of SEC, Mr Aleksa Ivanović.
In what way will the training be organized?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: So far, SEC has been organizing the education of the members of electoral boards on the field directly. This year, due to the epidemic, that would not be an appropriate way to do, so we decided to use the tested method which has produced results in the education system and to do the training via video-spots, electronic communication. I call on political parties to deliver the names of the members of electoral boards as soon as possible.
It would be good of political parties suggested persons who experienced and know the rules of the election process. I stress we have a very specific situation due to COVID-19 epidemic, and that we have recommendations to adhere to. If electoral boards are well-trained and ready to fulfill their tasks, that’s guarantee that there won’t be any irregularities on the election day.
What is communication between SEC and National Coordination Body like?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: We have had several meetings with NCB representatives where we asked for the information on all the measures we shall adhere to during the election process to ensure that conditions in which election process takes place does not bear any risk to citizens’ health. We are familiar with the experience of other countries that had elections under present circumstances. Therefore, as far as medical aspect is concerned, the document containing recommendations has defined it. As far as duties of SEC are concerned, the priority is to respect the law. Everything has to be done in accordance with the law and in a transparent manner.
You stressed that word, transparent…
Mr IVANOVIĆ: Of course. Increasing transparency of the work of SEC has been my most important objective since the moment I was appointed president of SEC. I think we have reached maximum in real circumstances.
Everything can be found on our Internet page – sessions, contacts, decisions, talks with institutions and organizations related to the election process. Transparency is not only reflected in that but also in the availability of information that media are interested in. And I think that’s obvious too, we answer every question media ask, without delay.
What motivated you to run for the president of SEC?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: I have been dealing with the rule of law and human rights in my entire career, and that motivated me to run for the president of SEC, the function in which rule of law and respect for human rights are expressed. I have said several times that even political morality is reflected in the amount of willingness of those who do public job to respect rule of law and human rights.
Rule of law and respect for human rights are essential questions that catch attention in the countries of old democracy. My duty is to increase trust in SEC, regardless of the critics I am exposed to. I am sure that election process will be in accordance with the law, I firmly believe we can make that happen.
What’s your cooperation with the members of the SEC like?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: SEC is a collegial body and the majority of decisions so far have been unanimous. Members of this body are highly professional and our work is based on expressing and confronting legal arguments during decision-making process.
You have been in the focus of public attention due to some recommendations… Parties have reacted, and so has NGO sector, citizens.
Mr IVANOVIĆ: It’s true some dilemmas arose because of the recommendations referring to the votes of people who are infected and are obliged to vote outside of the placed they live. We have been criticized for wanting to suspend election laws, which is totally unfounded. I claim that. SEC has never even thought to change the essence of legislative provisions. Rights have never been under threat.
Part of recommendations has been subject to corrections.
Mr IVANOVIĆ: That’s true, but let me explain. Starting from the Article 85, 85a and 85b, the procedure of the election day in the part of letter voting is completely clear. We have requested for the total protection of persons who will be in charge of this task. Citizens’ health won’t be at risk at any moment of the election day.
One more thing, we haven’t made corrections to the recommendations due to the pressure on the Commission, or because we were afraid that we had made a mistake. SEC is composed of representatives of political parties with integrity and knowledge.
Will citizens be allowed to vote with old ID?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: Yes and I think that’s how we contributed to building up trust in the election process. There’s a great number of citizens who haven’t had their new ID yet and we believe that’s not the reason for depriving them of their right to vote.
Just to make sure there’s no confusion, we are talking about documents that have expired but the identification device can recognize?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: Of course. ID document is run through the device and the photo of the person appears on the screen. It can happen that a photo isn’t displayed in case ID card or passport were issued tend days before elections. In that case it is completely legitimate to allow the person to vote as the device will sure recognize its personal identification number.
Have you talked with the institute for public health and NCB about procurement of protective equipment for the members of electoral boards?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: We have and they promised everything would be provided in time. Hume amounts of equipment. We have around 1.200 electoral boards with so many people…
In your opinion, what will election day look like?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: Everybody keeps asking me that. The answer is simple. No mystification. After the votes are counted, SEC will present the results. We don’t have an influence on voters’ will.
What’s the cooperation with the members of observation missions and representatives of NGO sector?
Mr IVANOVIĆ: Defined by law. SEC receives requests for the accreditation of foreign observers through Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we process all the requests that same day. Representatives of observation missions and NGO sector attend all our sessions and can hear every word we say. The communication is direct.
