This would not be tolerated in any Western democracy. It would be regarded as nothing more than an election fiddle - which this was
Transitions on Line - 15 May 2001
Dear Editor,
As regards Daria Sito's "Low credit rating". Changing electoral rules just prior to an election to disadvantage one party - or effectively, one people, in this case - is utterly unacceptable.
This would not be tolerated in any Western democracy. It would be regarded as nothing more than an election fiddle - which this was. Imagine Tony Blair passing legislation a couple of weeks prior to the imminent UK elections to his advantage.
You either believe in democracy or you do not; why should the Croats have to put up with lower standards than British voters? I can't believe my taxes are paying for such behaviour by the OSCE. Furthermore, why the double standard? How is it that NATO is able to send troops into Medjugorje - a Catholic holy place - frightening pilgrims and residents for no apparent reason, but are unable to mount an operation to arrest Radovan Karadzic? Why is it all right for Vojislav Kostunica to support Radovan Karadzic's SDS party but for Franjo Tudjman to have been castigated for supporting the Bosnian HDZ?
Clearly, the Serbs have some kind of immunity from sanction. Fiddling elections, double standards. Yes, of course the Croats would react. Who wouldn't?
Brian Gallagher
London