Demes (1998)- Kampanja OK 98 u Slovackoj

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OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOsfor Free and Fair ElectionsA ae Study by Pavol Deme

October 1998

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Acknowledgement and dedicationl wro te this ae s tudy only fe w week s a f t e r th e e lec t i ons , vvi thout m uc h d is t a nc e f r om th eexci t ing e v e n t s in vvhich l pa r t i c ipa t ed . l am sure i t is l ike n e w wine - ful l o f im per f ec t i ons .Within th e n e x t fe w m ont hs c o l l ec t i ve s to ry o f OK'98 wil l be p r e p a r e d t h a t c an d e p i c t m o r eaccurate ly this civic act ion in the m idd le o f E u r o p e , l vvould l ike to t hank m y c o l l ea gues Ev aFerenc ova , He l e n a Mudr iko va , N o r a B e n a k o v fo r da t a c o l lec t i on and t e chn ica l ass is tance.Mar t in Butora , David P. Danie l , Greg Fab ian, Janet L ine, ar lo ta Puf f le rova, Adr ienaRichterova, David R eic ha rd t fo r read ing the m a nus c r ip t an d the i r he lp fu l c o m m e n t s .

A l t hough im per f ec t , l vvould l ike t o ded ic a t e t h i s ae s t udy to h u n d r e d s o f c o u r a g e o u s an dr es pons ib le c i v i c l ea ders , vo lun t ee rs , d o n o r - f r i e n d s a n d s u p p o r t e r s w ho m ad e OK'98poss ib le .

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S u mmar ySome people argue that VelvetRevolution in Slovakia wascompleted in September 1998 bythe parliamentary elections. S lovakcitizens expressed their faith in thedemocratic process and a desirefo r change. They re-opened fo rtheir country chances fo rintegration into dem oc ratic Europe.It is generally recognized thatnonpartisan efforts of non-governmenta! not-for-profitorganizations (NGOs) or thirdsector played a critically importantrole in voter information,education, participation (84%turnout, eight out of ten first-timevoters participated) and electionmonitoring. A large scale nation-wide civic campaign for free andfair elections called OK'98 showed

that vital civil society organizationscan very significantly andpositively influence the democraticpolitical process and strengthendemocratic culture.

Slovakia is a Central European countrysurrounded by ive neighbors - Austria,Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland andUkraine. li bas 5,3 million inhabitantsand 49.035 square kilometers. TheSlovak Republic became anindependent state in January 1, 1993,follovving dissolution of the Czech andSlovak Federal Republic. Itsconstitution provides for a multiparty,multiethnic, parliamentarydemocracy.Prime Minister Mikula Dzurinda, theleader of the Slovak DemocraticCoalition, heads a four party coalitiongovernment (including the Party of theHungarian Coalition) formed after theSeptember 1998 national elections.The Mo vement for Democratic Slovakialead by Vladimir Meiar was defeatedand assumed the role of the mainopposition. The governing coalition hasa constitutional majority (93 out of 150seats) in the one chamber Parliamentheaded by Speaker Jozef Miga, theleader of the Party of the DemocraticLeft. The President of the country is tobe elected at the end of 1998 orbeginning of next year.Slovakia has a vvell-developed NGOsector characterized by a high degreeof self-avvareness, cooperation andinfluence on citizen participation indemocratic processes.

Initiators of campaignCivic Campaign OK'98 was initiated by eleven well-known Slovak NGO leadersrepresenting organizations active in the field of civil society and democracy building.S ubsequently they created the camp aign's Coord ination Council:A. Bartosievvicz (Assoc ia t i on fo r S u p p o r t o f L o c a l D e m o c r a c y ) , l. Baumannova (TheFounda t i on fora Civil Soc ie ty , N a d a c i a p re o b ia nsku spolonosf- N O S} , D. Brezina(Gemma' 93) , Z . Butorova ( Inst i tu te fo r Publ ic Affaires), P. Deme (SAlA-ServiceCe nte r f o r the Thi rd Secto r ) , P. Hunik ( S n d o r M a ra i Foundat ion) , M. Kravik(P eop le and Water ) , J. Mesik (Ekopo l is -EPCE), D. Ondruek (Par tners fo rDem oc r a t i c C h a n g e Slovakia), B. Orgonik ( In formal Assoc ia t i on o f Trenin) andarlota Pufflerova (The Fo unda t io n Citizen and Dem oc r ac y , M R G ) wh o became thespokesperson for the campaign.

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Star t a nd course of initiativeIn the summer of 1997, Slovak NGO leaders started to talk about more intensiveinvolvement in the public policv arena, inciuding the electoral process. An importantmilestone in this process was the Fifth Annual Stupava Conference of the ThirdSector held in October in Koie under the slogan "Working Activelyfor Democracv"(see appendix 1) . Results of the conference were discussed at an informal meetingduring the European Foundation Center Annual General Assemb!y in Brussels inNovember 6- 9 with representatives of the Foundation for a Civil Societv, GermanMarshall Fund, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other donor organizations andat a subsequent meeting in Vienna on December 15, 1997 attended by civic leadersfrom Bulgaria and Romania (see Report by Jan E. Surotchak from FCS).The framevvork of OK'98 (which stands fo r Obianska Kampan '9 8 = CivicCampaign'98) was developed at the beginning of January 1998 in SAIA-SCTS. Itwas presented, discussed and after modification adopted at a meeting of foundingNGOs on January 10, 1998. Discussion vvithin the NGO communityand with variousdonors inciuding the Slovak Donors' Forum took place during the next three months.The Campaign was officially launched in the city of Zvolen on March 3, 1998 at ameeting attended by over 50 civic leaders representing 36 NGOs. The first statementinforming th e general public about the OK'98 initiative was issued at the Zvolenmeeting (see appendix 2).The first, main phase, of the OK'98 campaign ended after Parliamentary electionsvvhich took place on September 25 and 26, 1998. The second phase will continueuntil local elections that are expected to be held on December 19, 1998. This aestudy is focused on the first phase of the OK'98 campaign.Purpose for the initiativeOK'98 nas been an open nonpartisan initiative of non-governmental organizations(NGOs) in Slovakia designed to help ensure free and fair parliamentary and localelections. Its goal has been to improve voter avvareness and information aboutparliamentary and local elections in 1998, to increase the turnout of citizens in the1998 elections, to increase the influence of citizens on the preparationof the electionlaw, and to ensure citizen oversight of the fairness of elections.

N e e d vvhich c au se d the NGOs to take actionDuring its four year term, the governing coalition led by Prime Minister VladimirMeiar, was characterized by a lack of respect fo r democratic principles, the rule oflaw and civil society. This resulted in the exclusion of Slovakia from the first group ofcountries to be integrated into NATO and EU.Among many citizens th e feeling was spreading that elections might bemanipulatedand that their votes could not influence developments in their societv. This feelingwas the result of numerous violations of democratic principles by the governingcoalition inciuding a thvvarted M ay 1997 referendum on the direct eiection of the

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president and NATO membership. The concerns of the citizens were reinforced inthe period preceding the elections. The governing coalition established unfairconditions for political competition trough late amendments to the election law (inspite of massive criticism from opposition parties, NGOs, labor unions, church,vvestern experts and decision-makers). The private media were intimidated andpublic electronic media were misused for open pro-government propaganda andattacks against government critics. NGOs strongly felt the need to strengthen citizenparticipation in the public policy. It was critically important to motivate citizens to takeresponsibility for their future, specifically in 1998 elections.Funding of the initiativeOK'98 consisted of 58 independent election projects prepared by Slovak NGOs. Itwas characterized by an enormous amount of voluntary work. Professional andvolunteer staff of many NGOs volunteered their time, services and resources.Financial assistance was received from several sources. Co-financing by severalfunders especially in the ae of bigger projects was needed and guite typical.Smaller contributions were made by local sources e.g. local business, privatedonations. Major grants vvere received from organizations of the Slovak Donors'Forum (established in 1997 as an informal association of donor organizations whichsupport third sector projects): Brit ish Kno w Ho w Fund, Ca rpa th ia n Foundation, CivilSoc ie t y Development Foundation ( P h ar e ) , Charles S t e w a r t M o t t Foundation,Children o f Slovakia Foundation, D u t c h Embassy, Th e Foundation f o r a Civil Society,Fund o f Canada, G e r m a n M a r s h a l l Fund, Jan H us Educational Foundation, OpenSocie ty Fo unda t io n , Un i te d States In fo r m a t ion Service.In April 1998 the Slovak Donors' Forum started a program to support citizen,election-related, public affairs initiatives. It created a standardized format andprocedure for submission of non-partisan NGO projects. The Donors' Forum andcooperating embassies contributed approximately 30 million Slovak crovvns($857.000) to election-related projects of NGOs.The primary decision m a k e r s and the decision m a k i ng mechanismThe campaign was a large scale effort of numerous NGOs, volunteers and donors. Itreflected the development and sophistication of the Slovak third sector, its ability toformulate and implement joint strategy and its capacity to cooperate effectively withforeign partners.Decision making took place on several levels vvhich reflected the diverse compositionof players and the decentralized nature of campaign.The Coordination Council of OK'98, that initiated the campaign, was the key decisionmaker at the national level. lnitially its rale was to develop strategy, mobilize interestand support for the campaign in the NGO community and among donors. Later, itsrole was to support communication among NGOs and their initiatives, to providecontacts with domestic and foreign institutions an d experts, and to help to establishpartnerships an d coalitions.

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Public/media relations and dialogue with political representatives, trade unionleaders, mayors and other groups were an important part of the activities of theCoordination Council, and its three member Executive Committee (. Pufflerova -spokesperson, A. Bartosievvicz, P. Deme), created after a few months in order toincrease its flexibility. A secretariat of the campaign was located at the Nadacia preobiansku spolonosf - NOS in Bratislava. The three home NGOs of the ExecutiveCommittee members provided significant administration services to the campaign.The Coordination Council was not responsible, however, for the grant-makingprocess. That took place at the Donors' Forum and its organizations (see above).Several regional ad hoc groups or coalitions of NGOs vvere created. They mobilizedsupport for the campaign and designed strategies according to local needs.Individua! projects vvere autonomous in their performance and decision-making. Mostof them, especially the larger projects, developed effective cooperation vvith otherpartners.The major activitiesIn order to fulfill the three broad goals of the OK'98 campaign - to inform voters, toincrease voters turn out and to monitor the election - 58 independent projectsprepared by Slovak NGOs vvere realized and many other voluntary activities tookplace throughout the vvhole country. Most of them vvere focused on definedgeographic regions or groups (namely young people, but also seniors, disabledpersons etc.), but several larger projects had nation-vvide impact:* An information campaign organized by the civic association GEMMA 93 - 300volunteers took part in the project "Cesta pre Slovensko" (MarctiforjSJovakia)

traveling 3000 km throughout Slovakia and visiting more tfiaT) SSTlties andvillages distributing over 500.000 brochures to citizens. These not only informedcitizens about voting regulations and procedures, but also explained basicprinciples of parliamentary democracy and emphasized the importance of theparticipation of citizens in the elections in order to solve the country's crucialsocial problems.* Discussions organized by several NGOs - 45 fora for citizens -.and politicalcandidates.+ Concerts - 13 rock concerts organized by the project "Rock the Vote" tomobilize youth (Nadacia pre obiansku spolonosf- NOS).* Television - TV spots "l vote therefore l am " using professional singers, actors,athletes, organized by "Hlava 98" (Head 98) encouraging young people,particularly first-time voters, tovote.* Radio TVVIST program "Slovakia and Democracv" organized by SKOI(Permanent Conference of Civic Institute). Dozens of NGOs distributed 570.600 leaflets, 197.500 posters, 253.000postcards (including 50.000 raffle postcards), 375.010 stickers.

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4 Project MEMO 98 supported by Slovak Helsinki Citizen's Assembly and thez- Association for Suppor t of Local Democracy monitored 5 daily newspapers,2 TVstations, 2 radio stations.* Election monitoring - the election process was monitored by 1.746 domesticobservers in OKO 98 project (Association for Fair Elections) and by 250 trained

non-partisan members of election commissions (A. Tunega Foundation project,in cooperation with Forum Institute).Two monitoring projects OKO'98 (Civic Eye'98) and MEMO'98 supported throughthe National Democratic Institute vvere independent but closely cooperated with theOK'98 initiative.The visible activity of OK'98 was the expert analysis of and a campaign against thehighly controversial amendment to the Election Law (approved on May 20, 1998 byMPs of the governing coalition, four months before elections).The impact of OK'98 among citizens was strengthened by six targeted public opinion / ,polis carried out by the Institute for Public Affairs vvhich contributed to ongoing publicdiscourse about the approaching elections. Other important outputs of this non-profitthink tank vvere the publication Th e analysis o f election p r o g r a m s o f pol i t ica l partiesand movements offering a revievv of electoral programs of key political parties, and ytwo films for regional TV channels explaining to people the importance of t he i r / /participation in the elections. /Members of the Gremium of the Third Sector (namely P. Deme and F. Vaga),vvhich cooperated with OK'98 initiative, represenjed the third sector at_aJ!D^mojciatisf(f Ftouno^Table". This informal platform started in June 1998 (7 meethgs took placeprior to the elections) and was attended by four democrajicopposition parties - TheSlovak Democratic Coalition (SDK), Party of the Democratic Left (SDC), Party of theHungarian Coalition (SMK) and Party of Civic Understanding (SOP) and four non-partisan actors - Gremium, Confederation of Trade Unions, Union of Cities andVillages and Slovak Vouth Council. The Democratic Round Table established a newtradition of civic - political dialogue and contributed to the conduct and results'of theelection.It should be stressed that attempts vvere repeatedly made by OK'98 representativesto meet with parties of the governing coalition. These attempts vvere notsuccessful.Regular vvell-attended presscgnferences vvere held by OK'98 leaders and involvedNGOs. lnterviews and participation in various TV and radio programs played a veryimportant role in success of campaign. The spokesperson of the campaign .Pufflerova became a well-known representativeof the third sector.The results to dateAccording to domestic and international observers, OK'98 contributed significantly tothe fact that parliamentary elections in Slovakia vvere free an d fair, that voter turn outvvas 84,3% (higher than in any neighboring country, vvith very high youthparticipation) that citizens voted for change (four former opposition parties vvhich

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make up the new governmental with a constitutional majority - 93 out of 150 seats)and created a new chance for the integration of Slovakia into vvestern structures.At a critical time NGOs shovved organizational abilitv, moral strength andcommitment to democratic values. The third sector using multiple methods and toolswas able to engage citizens in the democratic political process at the local andnational level. Public opinion polis conducted by the Institute for Public Affairesduring the campaign shovved that over 60% of citizens agreed with the electibn-related non-partisan activities of NGOs.The diversity of election materials and -products prepared by NGOs is remarkable:over 2 million posters, leaflets, postcards, stickers, brochures, publications, pens,pencils, hats and T-shirts. Also created were video spots, two short films for regionalTV channels, a special radio program and a political cabaret Velvet mate" vvhichperformed in over 20 cities.Media coverage of NGO activities connected with the elections was very high. Thenational and regional print and electronic media produced hundreds of reports. VVhilethe government-controlled media brutally attacked OK'98 initiative, the independentmedia shovved interest and sympathy tovvards the campaign.Attitudes of the general public, political elites and the International communitytovvards third sector have dramatically changed. NGOs have become recognized notonly for the variety of their voluntarv, public-benefit type of work; but also forinfluencing the democratic political process. Some vievvs of various decision-makersand observers about th e OK'98 initiative are provided in appendix 4.

N e x t s t e p sThe first part of the campaign was targeted tovvards parliam entary elections and hasconcluded. A brief evaluation/celebration of this phase took place shortly afterelections on September 30 at an "Extraordinary Stupava Conference" of the thirdsector in B ratislava. Over 400 participants attended the conference and were greetedby, among others, Michal Kova, former president of the Slovak Republic, IvanSaktor, President of Trade Unions, Ambassadors of United States, Grea.t Britain andNetherlands and the Head of European Commission. The Conference adopted aDeclaration (see appendix 3).A further, in depth, evaluation of OK'98 will be conducted by the CoordinatingCouncil after sufficient data and materials from individua! projects have beencollected.Also, several reports and ae studies are being prepared by different groups andspecialists (e.g. Donors' Forum, Partners for Dem ocr atic Change, Institute for PublicAffaires, leaders of individua! projects).The second phase of OK'98 wil l continue "until local elections scheduled fo rDecember 19, 1998 have taken place.

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The key challenges and obstacles* Slovak NGOs did not have a tradition of participating in democratic electoral

process; they also lacked knovvledge and experience how to be engaged. Therewere psvchological barriers within third sector concerning its entry into the field fngrvpjrtisan jjolitics. There was a natural fear of conseguences from governmentinstitutions and apathy after many unsuccessful struggles. Many NGO leadersbelieved that this is not for "us"but rather for state and political institutions.Therefore it was necessary to develop an understanding and belief vvithin the thirdsector that free civic initiatives have to exercise their constitutional rights andenter public policy arena for the ake of democracy and the future of the country.

4 It was necessary to develop a clear^nc^ptstrategN/ and structurejhat wouldmobilize the interest, active involvement anoVor supportfrom a sufficient numberof grass-root organizations and activists. Under time pressure and an unfavorablepolitical situation it was difficult to create consensus and hope.

* Identification and mobilization of financial resources was very important. Grant-making foundations (locally registered or foreign) and foreign government-linkeddemocracy assistance programs were in most cases effective and user-friendly.

* Coordination and communication among NGOs involved was rather complex andsometimes frustrating. Competition, criticism and dissatisfaction of some NGOleaders with the campaign or with some of the projects occurred mostly duringthe first months.

+ Open and challenging discussions among NGOs and donors about political vs.partisan activitv, positions or statements significantly, shaped the political but non-partisan nature of OK'98 campaign.

* Communication with the general public through the media vvas relativelysuccessful despite the fact that many NGOs are just developing their mediarelations or PR skills.Communication with the governing coalition on central level vvas practicallyimpossible due to its long-standing attitude tovvards free civic initiatives. Not onlydid their representatives refuse to meet vvith OK'98 activists or to consent to civicmonitors, but they systematically attacked and openly defamed NGOs and theirleaders. They accused them of being paid foreign agents of undermining /independent Slovakia and its government, of serving enemies of'Slovakia, of/ /campaigning in favorof the opposition and of not respecting laws and democratic/principles. Responding to these accusations vvas definitely a challenge. ^

Lessons learned* The first and most important lesson learned is that it can be done. The Slovak /

story shovvs that vital civil society organizations can significantly and positively /influence political process in any society, including those that have _stronggovernments vvith authoritarian practices.

* Commitment to a common goal by skilled individuals with a pirit of co-operation, consensus and service is critically important. As in the "Third Sector SOS '- jcampaign" against the restrictive foundation law, Slovak NGOs vvere able to

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respond because they had already created a tradition of and suitablemechanisms fo r cooperationand consensus building through the annual StupavaConference of NGOs; the elected advocacy group, Gremium of the Third Sector;a nation-vvide resource and Information center, SAIA-SCTS; skilled facilitators,trainers and analysts; and an effective Donors' Forum.Civic leaders who develop and launch non-partisan political campaigns such asOK'98 must have a deep understanding of democratic political processes.Theymust understand how to develop and maintain good relations with the media,legal experts, with political representatives, labor unions, mayors, churches andthe international community. They, must declare strict non-partisanship (theycannot appear on party list) and must be prepared for a very t ime-consuming,hectic and often frustrating period. The role of friendships and trust, of confidencebuilding and "coffee breaks" in ore group are important. Regular coordinationand information meetings of involved NGOs are inevitable, even in the pase ofwell developed internet, e-mail and mobile phone communication. Skilledfacilitators (like Partners for Democratic Change) are very useful.

4 Although there are general useful techniques and methods vvhich can be adoptedand modified e.g. discussion forums, media monitoring, training of civic monitors(National Democratic Institute - NDI literature and expertise was of particularimportance), get-out-the v.ote technigues fo r young people etc., asuccessfujn J3lej3tignrelatec campaign must be devejoped from within the countrvTiFis heavliy/ ("dependent oTrTocaTiFcumstancesT relationships, traditions and culture. The^ Romanian and Bulgarian civic experience had a positive energizing effect onOK'98 campaign.* In a post-communist environment, an election-related civic campaign vvithoutflexible external financial assistance is difficult to imagine.4 The NGO community has learned many practical lessons about democraticprocess and how to mobilize the people around th e values of civic responsibility.Key leaders of OK'98 will remain active in the field of democracy and civil societybuilding and will continue their work in developing and strengthening democracyand civil society in Slovakia.Collateral mater ia ls /samplesSample copies of election-related materials, products developed by most NGOs arepreserved in the archive of SAIA-SCTS, the library of vvhich contains photographs,clippings from a vvide range of Slovak periodicals, and publications produced byNGOs. Useful general information about the campaign can also be obtained atNadacia pre obiansku spolonosf- NOS, Miletiova tel.: (421-7) 5024 4189, 50244198, fax: (421-7) 5024 42 82, e-mail: [email protected] or at Donors' Forum (Nadaciapre deti Slovenska tel.: (421-7) 5441 7430, 5441 7438, fax: (421-7) 5443 1143, e-mail: [email protected]). Specific information about individual NGOs and their projectsf and about third sector in general can be obtained at SAIA-SCTS database.-_ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - :Pavol D e m e , Execut ive DirectorSAlA-Service Center for the Third Sector (SAIA-SCTS)Na vrku 8 , P.O.Box 108, 810 00 Bratislava 1, Slovakiatel.: (421-7) 544 33 762, fax: (421-7) 544 35 748, e-mail: [email protected]

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A p p e n d i x No 1Fifth St u p a v a C o n f e r e n c e N o n - g o v e r n m e n t a l Organizat ions

"THE THIRD SECTOR - ACTIVELV VVORKING FOR DEMOCRACV"

O c t o b e r 2 8 - 2 9 , 1 9 9 7Koie , Slovak iaFINAL DECLARATION

We, citizens of the Slovak Republic, associated in non-governmental organizations(NGOs) feel responsible for building a state ruled by law and for implementingdemocratic principles to vvhich we are entit led according to the Constitution of theSlovak Republic. By increasing the participation of the citizens in the conduct ofpublic matters we wish further to contribute to the development of democracy inaccordance w ith the principles of a state ruled by aw.We implement the interests of citizens expressed in the statutes and by-laws ofNGOs vvith the help of mechanisms and sources open to the proper control of thepublic and state organs. NGOs are for public inspection but, at the same time, willverify vvhether state organs carry out such revievvs in accordance vvith th e law.The participants in the conference: are for an JmpjxxuejlJirajs^arency in the activities of NGOs, especially in theutilization of financial and other sources vvhich is the fundamental pre-requisite forthe trust in the third sector of donors and the public. We demand the sameof the government and the administrators

of public resources. declare that that legal regulations pertaining to the operations of non-governmental organizations inadequately support, and in many cases actuallyhinder, their activities and development. We agree on the need to prepare thebases for amending pertinent laws and the vvhole legal context for the existenceof the third sector. invite representatives of the business sector to cooperate more closely vvithNGOs. "" ' """development of NGOs. emphasize the need for a closer cooperation vvith local governments even in the - jform of the direct participation of representatives of NGOs in com munity po lit icsfor the benefit of the citizens, local governments and NGOs.

agree that, in the pirit of the slogan "The Thi rd Sector - Actively VVorking forDemocracv" we vvill engage in dialog vvith representatives of political and otherentities and vvill seek from them an active attitude tovvards th e resolution of theproblems of citizens. underscore the need that non-governmental organizations also focus their activityon increasing the information available to citizens concerning the condit ions fo rth e dem ocrat ic conduct of the elections of 1998. request the presence of International observers during the pre-election campaignsand the actual elections in accordance vvith the 1990 Copenhagen document ofthe Co mm ittee for S ecuri ty and S tabi li ty in Europe. n SA IA -SCTS, O K ' 9 8 C a m p a i g n o f S l o v a k N G O s fo r Fr ee a n d F a i r E l e c t i o n s , O c t o b e r 1998


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A p p e n d i x N o 2OBIANSKA KAMPAN

Announcement of Civic Ca mpa ign '9 8 (OK ' 9 8 )Zvolen, March 3 , 1998

We, citizens, representatives of 35 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) fromthroughout Slovakia, met in Zvolen on March 3, 1998 to kick-off the Civic Campaign'98 fo r free and fair elections.Slovakia is currently in a critical stage in its development. Like the majoritv of ourfellovv citizens, we feel a deep distrust in our government. The feeling is spreadingamong our citizens that their votes cannot alter developments in societv. For thisreason it is enormouslv important that we take responsibilitv for our own future in thecoming elections. We view it as our moral responsibilitv to contribute to havingcitizens take part in the political process and to monitor the course of the elections.We declare that in the ae that anvone attempts to disrupt the democratic processin Slovakia, we will make use of our constitutional right to resist these attempts,together with representatives of trade unions, the church, local governments, andother democratic forces.VVithin OK'98 we will initiate and coordinate projects and activities in ali regions ofSlovakia, help to deveiop partnerships and coalitipns, and facilitate contacts vvithdomestic and foreign institutions and experts. We will focus primarilv on votereducation, candidate fora, and monitoring of the electoral process.We arecurrentlv most unsatisfied with the means of preparation of legislation whichis decisive for the election process. Primarilv this refers to the draft Bili on Electionsto the National Council of the Slovak Republic, the amendment of the Law onElection of Organs of Local Government of Cities and Villages, and the draft Bili onRegional Self Government. We fundamentallv disagree vvith the way these havebeen prepared to date and demand that they be made the subject of publicdiscussion.

The contact fo r non-governmental organizations wanting to join Civic Campaign '9 8 isNadacia pre obiansku spolonost1. Contact Ingrid Baumannova: inqrid(ajnos.sk

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Appendix No 3Extraordinary Stupava Conference"SLOVAKIA AFTER ELECTIONS"

SeptemberSO, 1998Bratislava, SlovakiaDECLARATION

By their votes in the parliamentary elections, the citizens of Slovakia created for ourcountry a chance for its democratic development and integration into the EuropeanUnion. Despite the efforts to discredit them, non-governmental organizations playedan important role in the s truggle for free and dem ocratic elections.We, representatives of third sector organizations, are prepared to continue publiclybeneficial activities, monitor governmental activities, work for the strengthening ofa civil society and help build lip the good name of our state. We believe that thecitizens and political representatives of Slovakia will demonstrate their ability to dealwith the aecumulated social and economic problems of our country.

We, the participants of the extraordinany Stupava Conference: ^ demand from representatives of democratic political parties the expeditiousformation of a functional government and parliament; expect that the dialogue betvveen political representatives and non-partisanentities - the third sector, trade unions and local governments will continue afterthe parliamentary elections; expect an extensive decentralizatinn -Qf-~power, the strengthening of localgovernments, the renevval of social dialogue and the acceptance of citizeninitiatives as equal partners; demand the amending of laws for the third sector, the preparation of suitable tax /legislation and the regulations for offering public resources to non-governmentaljorganizations; invite our fellovv citizens, in the November local elections, to decide about thosewho will administer the public affairs in the cities and towns of our country, withthe same responsibility they demonstrated in the parliamentary elections.

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Appendix No 4OK'98 VIEWED BY DIGNITARIES

" l think, you shovved that your role in society cannot be replaced. In thisspecific period you took over very bravely the responsibility to defend basicrights of the society."(Michal Kova, President of Slovak republic in 1993-1998)"Much of the work that was done successfully in the recent elections inSlovakia owes its roots to the recognition by so many peopie there thatnon-governmental organizations and citizen activity were a necessaryprecondition for true democratic values."(Hillarv Clinton, First Lady of the United States of America, Forum 2000, Prague)"Last vveekend unbelievable 8 4% of the voters used their right to vote. Thatwas supported by your work. The Third Sector is a jevvel in the Crovvn ofSlovakia."(Peter Harborne, Am bass ado r of United Kingdom and N orthern Ireland)"We evaluate your pre-election activities in a very positive way,becausethey helped to individuals to be interested in their future."(Pavol Hamik, Vie President of Party of Civic Understanding)"Without the projects of OK'98 democratic forces in Slovakia vvould nothave achieved such a high turnout of voters in parliamentary elections."(Bela Bugar, Leader of Hungarian Coalition Party)

f

"OK'98 helped to dignify the process of the parliamentan/ elections."(Jozef Miga, Leader of Slovak Democratic Left Party)" l believe that OK'98 was the right initiative, that will strengthen civicavvareness an d active participation."(Mikula Dzurinda, Leader of S lovak Democratic Coalit ion)" l am convinced that after the elections you, as representatives of the ThirdSector, will continue in monitoring of the government."(Christian B ourgin, Charg e d'affaires o f European Com mission Delegation)

14SAIA- SCT S, O K ' 9 8 C a m p a i gn o f S l o v a k N G O s fo r F ree and F a i r E l e c t i o n s , O c t o b e r 1998


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NADACIA PRE OBIANSKU SPOLONOST

Rock volieb ?98 CampaignReport on Activities and Results,1998 Slovak Parliamentaij Elections

volieb 98MILETICOVA 23 - 821 09 BRATISLAVA - SLOVENSKO - TEL: 4217-544 4189 - FAX:4217-544 4282 - e-mai l : [email protected]


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Rock volieb '98 CampaignReport onActivities and Results 1998 Slovak Parliamentary Elections

"The turnout ofyoung voters was one ofthe most strikingcharacteristics of 1998 elections."

- M g r . I v a n S eik . D i re c t o r . N a t io n a l C e n t e r f o r M e d i a C o m m u n i ca t io n ( N C M K ) ,- - , - - w h i c h c o n d u c t e d e x i t p o l l i n g fo r S l o v a k T e l e v i s i o n (STV).volieb 98

Ovei~view: T h e R o c k v o l i e b '98 c a m p a i g n , - c o n c e p t u a l i z e d a n d i m p l e m e n t e d by Nadacia p reo b i a n s k u s p o l o n o s t ' ( N O S ), se t o u t t o a c h i e ve a verv c l e a r . s h o r t - t e r m g o a l : T o increase th en u m b e r o f v o u n g p e o p l e p la n n in g t o p a r t i c i p a t e in t h e 1 998 S l o v a k p a r l ia m e n t a r v e l e c t io n s ,h e l d o n S e p t e m b er 25th a n d 26*. S p e c i f i c a l l v , R q c k _ y o l i e b '98 vva s a n o n - p a r t isa n c a m p a i gnt a r g e t e d a t v o t e r s _ u n d e r 2 5 , a n d p a r t i c u l a r l v f o c u s e d o n t h e T 8 0 , 0 0 0 f i r s t - t i m e ~ v o t e r s (aged 18-21). T h e o u t c o m e was stunning. O F g a G v a r f a o v a . f r o m F O C U S A g e n c y . writes.

"T h e r e s u l t s o f p o l i s i n d i c a t e th a t t h e p e r c e n t a ge o f f ir s t- t i m e v o t e r s t h a t p a r t i c i p a t e d i nt h i s vear's parliamentary e l e c t i o n s vvas v i r t u a l l y e q u a l t o t h e t u r n o u t o f a l i voters,exceeding 80%. In 1 9 9 4 e l e c t i o n s , o n l v o n e - f i f t h of first- time voters t o o k p a r t . "

R o c k vol ieb '98 mounted a media c a m p a i g n , b o t h independently and in its c o o p e r a t i o n withth e 'Volim, t e d a som' (I v o t e t h e r e f o r e I a m ) TV c a m p a i gn . R o c k v o l i e b '98 also u s e dc o n c e r t s a n d events. in conjun^n_with_aJms= lojir_to t h e c o u n t r v , t o deliver it smessage. T n f o r m a t i o n a l a n d m o t i va t io n a l p r in t e d m a t e r ia l s were c r e a t i v e l v d e s i g n e d a n d'm a r k e t e d ' t o t h e target g r o u p , v v h i l e t h e p r im a r v s u c c e s s i n r e a c h i n g v o u n g p e o p l e was t h ef ac t t h a t ih e c a m p a i g n was c o n t i n u a l l v s u p p o r t e d by so m a n y v o u n g a n d p o p u l a r S l o v a kp e r s o n a l i t i e s (primarilv m u s ic ia n s a n d b a n d s ) . F i n a i l v , N O S a t t r i b u t e s m u c h o f t h e success t ot h e f a c t t h a t t h e c a m p a ign r em a in e d n o n - p a rt isa n , a s y o u n g p e o p l e were naturally wary o fp a r t i s a n a n d self- serving messages. G v a r f a o v a . f r o m F O C U S p o l l i n g a g e n c v . v v r i t e s .

" G e n e r a l l y , pre- election o p i n i o n p o l i s showed t h a t voung p e o p l e were not very interestedin p o l i t ic s . T h i s ba r r ie r o f apathv w a s br o k en d o w n b y N G O s w h i c h d id n o t b ea r a n ys l o g a n s o r signs o f p o l i t i c a l parties o r c a n d i d a t e s , bu t w h i c h m o b i l iz e d y o u n g p e o p l e t op a r t i c ip a t e i n t h e e l e c t i o n b y i m p l e m e n t i n g n o n - p a r t isa n a n d i n n o v a t i v e c a m p a i g n s (Cestapre S l o v e n s k o . R o c k v o l i e b '98. and the ' Vo l i m , t ed a s o m ' TV spots)."

Preparation: P l a n n i n g f o r t h e R o c k v o l i e b '98 c a m p a i gn b ega n i n S e p t e m b e r , 1997, e x a c t l yo n e vear b e f o r e t h e n a t i o n a l e l e c t i o n s . D u e to t h i s e a r l y start R o c k v o l i e b '98 was already mit s a d v a n c e d p l a n n i n g stages b e f o r e t h e O K '9 8 c a m p a i gn a n d m o s t N G O a c t i v i t i e s f o c u s i n go n e l ec t i o n s h a d b e gu n t o take s h a p e . T h e r e were s e ve r a l s te p s i n t h i s p l a n n i n g phase:

Studying Several GOTV Models: NOS studied severa l voter m o t i va t io n campaigns.a n d m et with R o c k t h e V o t e , in t h e U S A , a n d I R I . v v h o c o n d u c t e d a campaign t oe n c o u r a g e voung p e o p l e to v o t e in the 1997 r e f e r e n d u m on N AT O .

Focus Groups, Polis, and Surveys\ NOS c o n t r a c t e d a Focus G r o u p survev to be d o n ein A p r i l 1998, by the market r ese a rc h c o m p a n y , MPMA.

East- East Exchange of Experience: N O S h o st ed a g ro u p o f f o u r Bulgarians v v h oh a d c o n d u c t e d si m i la r e f f o r t s p r i o r t o B u l ga r i a n e l e c t i o n s in 1996.

Structure ofthe Campaign: T h e R o c k v o l ie b c a m p a i gn c o n s ist e d o f f o u r p a r t s :l l. N a t io n a T K 'l ed i E rC a m p a i gn

\ \ 2 . C o n c e r t s\ \ 3 . ' V o t e r - A w a r e n e s s ' B u s / T o u r

4. D i st r ib u t i o n o f M a t e r ia l s a n d C o o p e r at io n vv i th O t h e r O r g a n i z a t i o n s

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1. N a t i o n a l Media CampaignMovie Theatres: R o c k v o l i e b s p o t s we r e shovvn in m o v i e t h e a t r e s a c r o s s S l o v a k i a during th em o n t h s o f Augus t a n d S e p t e m b a r , seen b y m o r e th a n 100,000 p e o p l e .Radio Spots: I n c o o p e r a t io n w it h F U N R a d i o , t h e m o s t l i s t ened t o s t a t i o n in S l o v a k i a . R o c kv o l i e b p r o d u c e d e i g h t r a d i o spots. e a c h f e a tu r i ng wel l - knovvn S l o v a k p e r s o n a l i t i e se n c o u r a g i n g young p e o p l e t o v o t e i n t h e p a r l ia m e n t a r v e l e c t i o n s .W eb Page: T h e R o c k v o l i e b '98 web page. a t \v\v\v.rockvolicb.sk. p r o v i d e d an i n e x p e n s i v ea n d t r e n d y m e t h o d o f k e e p i n g p e r t i n e n t i n f o r m a t i o n u p t o d a t e a n d a v a i l a b l e t o p e o p l et h r o u g h o u t t h e c o u n t r y.Earned Media: R o c k v o l i e b u s e d every o p p o r t u n i t y t o a d d r e s s it s a u d i e n c e tiirough m e d i asou r ces , by taking part i n t e l e v i si o n t a l k shows, g i v i n g i n t e rv i ews o n t h e r a d i o , t o n e v v sp a p e r sarid m a g a z i n e s , a n d b y s e n d i n g o u t f r e q u e n t p r e s s r e l e a s e s a n d h o l d i n g p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e s .f o c u s i n g o n m e d i a which a d d r e s se d y o u n g p e o p l e .Boomerang Postcard Cahipaign: D u r i n g t h e t w o w eek s l e a d i n g u p t o p a r l i a m e n t a r ve l e c t i o n s , R o c k v o l i e b h a d 40,000 B o o m e r a n g F r e e c a r d s d i s t r i b u t e d in m o r e t h a n 2 00 p o p u l a rl o c a t i o n s (restaurants, bars, clubs, etc . ) in c i t ie s t h r o u g h o u t S l o v a k i a .Television Campaign: 'Volim, teda som' -1vote therefore I amR o c k v o l ie b 's c o n t r i b u t io n t o t h e 'Volim, t e d a som' c a m p a i g n was t h r e e - f o l d . R o c k v o l i e b :" Co n t r i b u t ed a n unspec i f i ed a m o u n t o f f r ee a i r t i m e o n T V M a r k i z a . vvhich h a d beenassigned t o R o c k v o l i e b '98. By the e lec t i ons , T V M a r k i z a h a d d o n a t e d n e a r l y S2million worth h i air- time. C o n t r i b u t e d s p o t s f r om R o c k the V o te , w h i c h a p p e a r e d . with Slovak sub t i t l e s, on b o t hS T V a n d T V M a r k i z a a s p a r t o f t h e ' V o l i m , t e d a so m 1 c a m p a i g n ." L o b b i e d M T V E u r o p e t o show c l i p s f r om t h e s p o t s o n M T V E u r o p e , along withcoverage o f t h e G O T V a c t i v i t i e s i n S l o v a k i a . T h i s i n c l u d e d g e t t i n g a p p r o v a l f r omi n t e r n a t i o n a l stars t h a t \ ve re a p a r t o f t h e c a m p a i g n . T h e b r o a d c a s t t o o k p l a c e o nSep tember 24dl, th e day p r i o r t o e le c t i o n s , h e l p in g t o d e m o n s t r a t e to y o u n g p e o p l e t h a tE u r o p e was p a y i n g a t t en t i on to Slovak e l ec t i ons .2. Concerts and Events:R o c k v o l ie b organized two m a j o r c o n c e r t s , o n e i n K o i e a n d o n e i n B r a t i s l a v a . T o p Slovakbands participated i n b o t h , a n d Buty, a n ex t r em e ly p o p u l a r C z e c h b a n d . h e a d l i n e d t h eBrat i s lava concert.Koie, August 22 : R o c k v o l i e b staged it s f i rst m a j o r c o n c e r t in K o i e , o n t h e m a i n street int h e c e n t e r o f t h e Old Town. D e sp it e r a in t h a t d a y , th e c o n c e r t d r e w m o r e t h a n 1000 p e o p l e .Bratislava, September 23 : T h e f i n a l e c o n c e r t o f R o c k v o l i e b '98, o n t h e M a i n Square o fdowntown Bra t i s l ava , attracted as m a n y as 15 ,000 voung S lovaks , pack ing the square to ac a p a c i t v t h a t h a s n o t b e e n r e a c h e d in m o r e t h a n a d e c a d e . T h e c o n c e r t , in vvhich s c h e d u l e dp e r f o r m e r s were Buty, P a v o l H a m m e l . H e x . V i d i e k , e n a z l e s o p a r k u , a n d S.V.S., a lsoc o n t a i n e d several su rp r i se guests. Miso Kaak ( s i n g e r ) , R o b o G r i g o r o v ( m u si c ia n ) , R o b oR o t h ( a c t o r a n d s i n g e r ) , R o m a n G a l v a n e k (lead s i n g e r f r o m t h e S l o v a k b a n d O . B . D . ), M a r ekT a p a k ( a ct o r , v o i c e o f F o x M u l d e r i n S l o v a k ve r s i on o f T h e X - F i l e s ) . S l o v a k h i p - h o p b a n dT r o sk y , th e b a n d M a t e l k o , a n d o t h e r s, m a d e a p p e a r a n c e s betvveen p e r f o r m e r s t o encouragef i r s t - t ime voters to ast t h e i r b a l l o t on Sep tember 25th and 26lh. The c o n c e r t a l s o i n c l u d e d ad e l u xe d i gi t a l vi d e o p r o je c t i o n p r e s en t a t i o n , wi th s p o t s f rom t h e ' V o l i m , t e d a som' ( I v o t et h e r e f o r e I a m ) m e d i a c a m p a i g n i n t e r s p e r s e d be tvveen l i v e c o v e r a g e o f t h e c o n c e r tp e r f o r m a n c e a n d s h o t s o f t h e c r ovvd .

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3. Other Concert Events / 'Voter Awaren ess' Bus-TourIn a d d i t i o n t o t h e two p r e m i er c o n c e r t s in B ra t i s l a v a a n d K o i e , R o c k v o l i e b '98 organized o rp a r t i c i p a t e d in m o r e th a n 16 c o n c e r t s t h r o u g h o u t Slovak ia . in c o n j u n c t i o n \ v i th a b u s - t o u r .September 4, 1 9 9 8 : R o c k v o l i e b B u s - T o u r Begins in B a n s k a B v s t r i c a . \v i th t h e B a rb a k a n -R o c k v o l i e b '98 Fes t iv a l .September 5lh, Trenin: R o c k v o l i e b P o h o d a F e s t iv a lSeptember 6tk, ilina: V o l 'n a c e s t a C o n c e r tSeptember 7th, Martin andZvolen: R o c k v o l ie b '98 C o n c e r t sSeptember 8th, Poprad: R o c k v o l i e b '98C o n c e r tSeptember 9th, LuenecSeptember 10th, Dunajska S tr eda: Dunaj ska S t reda F a l i MarketSeptember ll'h, Banska tiavnica: S a la m a n d e r D a v s F e s t i va lSeptember I2th, Preov andBardejov: R o c k v o l i eb ' 98 C o n c e r tSeptember 13th, in Vranov nad Topl'ou: R o c k v o l ie b '98 C o n c e r tSeptember 14th, KoieSeptember 15th, Rimavskd Sobota: R o c k v o l i e b '98 C o n c e r tSeptember 16', Komdrno and Nove Zamky: R o c k v o l ie b '98C o n c e r t sSeptember 17 th, Nitra; R o c k v o l i e b '98 C o n c e r tSeptember 18th, Trnova: Rock volieb '98 C o n c e r tSeptember 19th, Dunajska Streda: R o c k v o l ie b '98 C o n c e r t , B u s- T o u r e n d s .4. Other G r a s s - R o o t s ActivitiesCooperation with Other Organizations: D u r i n g the R o c k v o l i e b '98 C a m p a i gn . m o r e t h a n150,000 i n f o r m a t i o n a l l e a f l e t s were d i s t r i bu t ed t h r o u g h o u t S lo v a k ia . T h i s n e v e r \ v o u l d h a v eb e e n p o s si b le w i t h o u t t he a s s i s t ance of d o z e n s o f o r g a n i z a t i o n s a n d i nd iv i dua l s . ass i s t i ng t h eR o c k v o l ie b c a m p a i g n on a volunteer basis.Regional Coordinators: I n t h e f i n a l fe w m o n t h s l e a d i n g up t o e l e c t i o n s . R o c k v o l i e b wasf o r t u n a t e e n o u g h to have been able t o se t up two r e g i o n a l c o o r d i n a t i n g of f i ces .Eastern Slovakia, Communitv Foundation of Preov: M a r t in a M o r t a n i k o va served as the R o c kv o li e b R e gi o n a l C o o r d i n a t o r fo r Ea s t e r n Slovakia, i n t h e C o m m u n i t v F o u n d a t i o n o f f i c e .Southern Slovakia, Katedra Foundation: Pe t e r Ho rv a t h s e r v e d a s t h e R o c k v o l i e b R e g i o n a lC o o rd i n a t o r f o r S o u t h e r n Slovakia. i n t h i s D u n a js k a S t r ed a - b a se d o r g a n i z a t io n . Pe t e rHo rv a t h , f luen t i n b o t h S l o v a k a n d Hu n g a r i a n , h e l p e d t o t r ans la t e a n d p r i n t R o c k v o l ie bmaterials in Hungar i an , and to distribute the materials t h roughou t Sou the rn Slovakia.Printed Materials: M o t i v a t i o n a l F l v e r (20,000), H o w t o V o t e F lye r (70,000), Why t oVote/Rock volieb Pro g r a m Flyer (70,000), St ickers (300,000+), Penc i l s (15,000), C o n c e r tF lye rs : Seve ra l d i f f e ren t f lye r s were used t o p r o m o t e v a r io u s c o n c e r t s, ' H u n g a r i a n ' Material,T- Shirts, and Ha t s .Conclusion: N O S a n d t h e st a f f o f R o c k v o l i e b '98 vvere p l e a s e d t o h a ve p laved a s t r o n g r o l ei n t h e c iv i c ac t iv i t i e s t h a t h e l ped t o a s s u r e t h a t e l e c t i o n s vvere f ree a n d fai r . Pa r t i c u l a r l y , itwas the positive and crucial role t h a t y o u n g voters played in the p rocess t h a t provided thegreatest r e w a rd . T h a t t h e c a m p a i gn h e lp e d t o c o n t r i b u t e t o a h i g h e r t u rnou t o f v o u n g vo t e r s isc lea r . But w h a t is e v e n m o r e e x c i t i n g i s t he f a c t t h a t , b y h a v i n g sh o wn t h a t v o u n g v o t e r sac rual ly made a real d i f f e r e n c e . R o c k v o l i e b '98 h a s m a d e a n i m p o r t a n t firs t s t ep t ovvarda c h i e v i n g t h e l o n g e r - t e r m g o a l o f i n c r e a s i n g t h e p o l i t i c a l i n v o l v e m e n t a n d i n f l u e n c e o f y o u n gSlovaks i n t h e c o u n t r y ' s p o l i t i c a l i n s t i t u t i o n s . Hovvever , such o u t s t a n d i n g r e s u l t s d o e s n o tsugges t t h a t t h e re i s no risk o f s u c h a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s b e i n g u n d o n e . I t i s i m p o r t a n t . t h e r e f o r e ,t h a t a c t i v i t i e s c o n t i n u e , with a steadv a n d l o n g - t e r m f o cu s , t o h e i g h t e n avvareness t h a t p o l i t i c a li n v o l v e m e n t i s a n o n g o i n g process \ v h i c h d o e s n o t e n d af te r t h e e l e c t i o n s .

Rock volieb '9 8 Raport onActivities and Results

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Demes (1998)- Kampanja OK 98 u Slovackoj