New democratic frontier : a country by country report on elections in Central and Eastern Europe

Drawing on the observations of these delegations, as well as those of smaller NDI delegations sent to the March 1990 national elections in East Germany, the April 1990 elections in Slovenia and Yugoslavia, and the May 1990 local elections in Poland, this study reviews and assesses the electoral process in Central and Eastern Europe. International experts and democratic activists who participated in NDI"s programs in the region analyze aspects of the elections and their political, social, and historical context. The book provides insights into democratization in Europe. Chapters describe how the transition processes were effectuated: the workings of roundtable negotiations, the choice of election systems and mechanisms for administering elections, the formation and functioning of political parties and electoral coalitions, the role of civic organizations, and the contributions of the international community. The study offers lessons for democrats in other countries still struggling for freedom against repressive regimes. An appendix provides results for each of the elections. The transitions have not solved many problems confronting the countries in the region. The consolidation of democratic government and the transformation to free market economies remain daunting tasks. (Author abstract)