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Education and Training Committee
Upon receiving an invitation from the OSCE for 10 AEOBiH members to observe the Train the Trainer seminar in Fojnica, six members were identified and sent to Fojnica on very short notice. The purpose of this event is to train the core and international trainers on how to train the polling station and counting committees for the Municipal Elections. AEOBiH members were there to learn about training techniques, which will help them repeat a similar procedure for the General Elections. (It was announced today that due to the non-adoption of the election law, the general elections have been cancelled).
Meeting with 6 AEOBiH members who are participating in the OSCE train the trainer seminar was held in Fojnica on 17 February, 2000. IFES FR/TC asked the members to focus on how the training was being conducted with an eye toward the AEOBiH conducting the same activities for future elections. IFES FR/TC also encouraged the members to identify potential problems which might occur on election day where the AEOBiH could play a role in providing a solution. For example, voters who are not found on the voters register at regular polling stations would have to travel to the absentee polling station in order to vote by tendered ballot. Would the AEOBiH be able to mobilize volunteers to assist with transporting voters who may find themselves in this situation on polling day?
Voter information project
Voter Information Training Workshop to be held 2-5 March, 2000 at Hotel Park, Vogosca. All members of the Education and Training Committee have been requested to participate in this workshop which will be led by IFES FR/TC and a trainer on loan from IFES Civic Education Program (Natasa). Also scheduled to participate are personnel from the OSCE voter education branch. (See Memorandum dated 10 February, 2000).
Add update here on program implementation - seminar, regional branch meetings, implementation in field.
Field visit was made on 24 March, 2000 to Kacuni, Busovaca municipality, to observe AEOBiH voter education activities. AEOBiH Secretary, Emin Novalic, conducted two sessions in order to educate teachers, school staff, and students at the Kacuni elementary/secondary school about open lists, ballot papers and polling station locations for the municipal elections. IFES FR/TC, IDA and PA attended.
Information Committee
IFES Project Assistant held a meeting on Tuesday, 14 March, 2000 with members of the AEOBiH in regard to developing a media strategy. Copy of meeting conclusions is attached. AEOBiH members are currently appearing in 5 minute segments on Radio Stari Grad in Sarajevo to address various topics relating to the association as well as the upcoming elections. IFES Project Assistant (PA) has maintained regular contacts with the Sarajevo branch representative of the Information Committee regarding media appearances of the AEOBiH. Weekly programs on Radio Stari Grad are running on a regular basis every Monday. AEOBiH representatives have introduced the AEOBiH in general terms regarding its structure, goals, and activities. The two remaining broadcasts prior to polling day will focus on elections-related issues. Local radio Ilidza will also be added in the coming days. Responses expected soon from BiH TV and OBN, while negotiations are underway with TV Hayat and Radio Vrhbosna for similar programs.
Seminar Committee
Information received from Sue Bedford and will be translated and disseminated to all seminar committee members.
International Committee
International activities of the AEOBiH this year have included the AEA trip (see separate article), as well as contact with the ACEEEO on continued cooperation. Future events will include members of AEOBiH participating in upcoming conferences for the ACEEEO in Warsaw and IACREOT in Cleveland, Ohio. Invitation to AEOBiH to participate in observing US elections later this year.
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