OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections

A ae Study by Pavol Deme

October 1998

S8T8

Acknowledgement and dedication l wrote this ae study only few weeks after the elections, vvithout much distance from the exciting events in vvhich l participated. l am sure it is like new wine - full of imperfections. Within the next few months collective story of OK'98 will be prepared that can depict more accurately this civic action in the middle of Europe, l vvould like to thank my colleagues Eva Ferencova, Helena Mudrikova, Nora Benakov for data collection and technical assistance. Martin Butora, David P. Daniel, Greg Fabian, Janet Line, arlota Pufflerova, Adriena Richterova, David Reichardt for reading the manuscript and their helpful comments. Although imperfect, l vvould like to dedicate this ae study to hundreds of courageous and responsible civic leaders, volunteers, donor-friends and supporters who m ade OK'98 possible.

i SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

Summary Some people argue that Velvet Revolution in Slovakia was completed in September 1998 by the parliamentary elections. Slovak citizens expressed their faith in the democratic process and a desire for change. They re-opened for their country chances for integration into democratic Europe. It is generally recognized that nonpartisan efforts of nongovernmenta! not-for-profit organizations (NGOs) or third sector played a critically important role in voter information, education, participation (84% turnout, eight out of ten first-time voters participated) and election monitoring. A large scale nationwide civic campaign for free and fair elections called OK'98 showed that vital civil society organizations can very significantly and positively influence the democratic political process and strengthen democratic culture. Initiators of campaign
Civic Campaign OK'98 was initiated by eleven well-known Slovak NGO leaders representing organizations active in the field of civil society and democracy building. Subsequently they created the campaign's Coordination Council: A. Bartosievvicz (Association for Support of Local Democracy), l. Baumannova (The Foundation fora Civil Society, Nadacia pre obiansku spolonosf- NOS}, D. Brezina (Gemma'93), Z. Butorova (Institute for Public Affaires), P. Deme (SAlA-Service Center for the Third Sector), P. Hunik (Sndor Marai Foundation), M. Kravik (People and Water), J. Mesik (Ekopolis-EPCE), D. Ondruek (Partners for Democratic Change Slovakia), B. Orgonik (Informal Association of Trenin) and arlota Pufflerova (The Foundation Citizen and Democracy, MRG) who became the spokesperson for the campaign.
Slovakia is a Central European country surrounded by five neighbors - Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. li bas 5,3 million inhabitants and 49.035 square kilometers. The Slovak Republic became an independent state in January 1, 1993, follovving dissolution of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. Its constitution provides for a multiparty, multiethnic, parliamentary democracy. Prime Minister Mikula Dzurinda, the leader of the Slovak Democratic Coalition, heads a four party coalition government (including the Party of the Hungarian Coalition) formed after the September 1998 national elections. The Movement for Democratic Slovakia lead by Vladimir Meiar was defeated and assumed the role of the main opposition. The governing coalition has a constitutional majority (93 out of 150 seats) in the one chamber Parliament headed by Speaker Jozef Miga, the leader of the Party of the Democratic Left. The President of the country is to be elected at the end of 1998 or beginning of next year. Slovakia has a vvell-developed NGO sector characterized by a high degree of self-avvareness, cooperation and influence on citizen participation in democratic processes.

' SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

Start and course of initiative

In the summer of 1997, Slovak NGO leaders started to talk about more intensive involvement in the public policv arena, inciuding the electoral process. An important milestone in this process was the Fifth Annual Stupava Conference of the Third Sector held in October in Koie under the slogan "Working Actively for Democracv" (see appendix 1). Results of the conference were discussed at an informal meeting during the European Foundation Center Annual General Assemb!y in Brussels in November 6-9 with representatives of the Foundation for a Civil Societv, German Marshall Fund, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other donor organizations and at a subsequent meeting in Vienna on December 15, 1997 attended by civic leaders from Bulgaria and Romania (see Report by Jan E. Surotchak from FCS). The framevvork of OK'98 (which stands for Obianska Kampan '98 = Civic Campaign'98) was developed at the beginning of January 1998 in SAIA-SCTS. It was presented, discussed and after modification adopted at a meeting of founding NGOs on January 10, 1998. Discussion vvithin the NGO community and with various donors 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 a meeting attended by over 50 civic leaders representing 36 NGOs. The first statement informing the general public about the OK'98 initiative was issued at the Zvolen meeting (see appendix 2). The first, main phase, of the OK'98 campaign ended after Parliamentary elections vvhich took place on September 25 and 26, 1998. The second phase will continue until local elections that are expected to be held on December 19, 1998. This ae study is focused on the first phase of the OK'98 campaign.

Purpose for the initiative

OK'98 nas been an open nonpartisan initiative of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Slovakia designed to help ensure free and fair parliamentary and local elections. Its goal has been to improve voter avvareness and information about parliamentary and local elections in 1998, to increase the turnout of citizens in the 1998 elections, to increase the influence of citizens on the preparation of the election law, and to ensure citizen oversight of the fairness of elections.

Need vvhich caused the NGOs to take action

During its four year term, the governing coalition led by Prime Minister Vladimir Meiar, was characterized by a lack of respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and civil society. This resulted in the exclusion of Slovakia from the first group of countries to be integrated into NATO and EU. Among many citizens the feeling was spreading that elections might be manipulated and that their votes could not influence developments in their societv. This feeling was the result of numerous violations of democratic principles by the governing coalition inciuding a thvvarted May 1997 referendum on the direct eiection of the

SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

president and NATO membership. The concerns of the citizens were reinforced in the period preceding the elections. The governing coalition established unfair conditions for political competition trough late amendments to the election law (in spite of massive criticism from opposition parties, NGOs, labor unions, church, vvestern experts and decision-makers). The private media were intimidated and public electronic media were misused for open pro-government propaganda and attacks against government critics. NGOs strongly felt the need to strengthen citizen participation in the public policy. It was critically important to motivate citizens to take responsibility for their future, specifically in 1998 elections.

Funding of the initiative

OK'98 consisted of 58 independent election projects prepared by Slovak NGOs. It was characterized by an enormous amount of voluntary work. Professional and volunteer staff of many NGOs volunteered their time, services and resources. Financial assistance was received from several sources. Co-financing by several funders especially in the ae of bigger projects was needed and guite typical. Smaller contributions were made by local sources e.g. local business, private donations. Major grants vvere received from organizations of the Slovak Donors' Forum (established in 1997 as an informal association of donor organizations which support third sector projects): British Know How Fund, Carpathian Foundation, Civil Society Development Foundation (Phare), Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Children of Slovakia Foundation, Dutch Embassy, The Foundation for a Civil Society, Fund of Canada, German Marshall Fund, Jan Hus Educational Foundation, Open Society Foundation, United States Information Service. In April 1998 the Slovak Donors' Forum started a program to support citizen, election-related, public affairs initiatives. It created a standardized format and procedure for submission of non-partisan NGO projects. The Donors' Forum and cooperating embassies contributed approximately 30 million Slovak crovvns ($857.000) to election-related projects of NGOs.

The primary decision makers and the decision making mechanism

The campaign was a large scale effort of numerous NGOs, volunteers and donors. It reflected the development and sophistication of the Slovak third sector, its ability to formulate and implement joint strategy and its capacity to cooperate effectively with foreign partners. Decision making took place on several levels vvhich reflected the diverse composition of players and the decentralized nature of campaign. The Coordination Council of OK'98, that initiated the campaign, was the key decision maker at the national level. lnitially its rale was to develop strategy, mobilize interest and support for the campaign in the NGO community and among donors. Later, its role was to support communication among NGOs and their initiatives, to provide contacts with domestic and foreign institutions and experts, and to help to establish partnerships and coalitions.

SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

Public/media relations and dialogue with political representatives, trade union leaders, mayors and other groups were an important part of the activities of the Coordination Council, and its three member Executive Committee (. Pufflerova spokesperson, A. Bartosievvicz, P. Deme), created after a few months in order to increase its flexibility. A secretariat of the campaign was located at the Nadacia pre obiansku spolonosf - NOS in Bratislava. The three home NGOs of the Executive Committee members provided significant administration services to the campaign. The Coordination Council was not responsible, however, for the grant-making process. That took place at the Donors' Forum and its organizations (see above). Several regional ad hoc groups or coalitions of NGOs vvere created. They mobilized support for the campaign and designed strategies according to local needs. Individua! projects vvere autonomous in their performance and decision-making. Most of them, especially the larger projects, developed effective cooperation vvith other partners.

The major activities

In order to fulfill the three broad goals of the OK'98 campaign - to inform voters, to increase voters turn out and to monitor the election - 58 independent projects prepared by Slovak NGOs vvere realized and many other voluntary activities took place throughout the vvhole country. Most of them vvere focused on defined geographic regions or groups (namely young people, but also seniors, disabled persons etc.), but several larger projects had nation-vvide impact: * An information campaign organized by the civic association GEMMA 93 - 300 volunteers took part in the project "Cesta pre Slovensko" (MarctiforjSJovakia) traveling 3000 km throughout Slovakia and visiting more tfiaT) SSTlties and villages distributing over 500.000 brochures to citizens. These not only informed citizens about voting regulations and procedures, but also explained basic principles of parliamentary democracy and emphasized the importance of the participation of citizens in the elections in order to solve the country's crucial social problems. * Discussions organized by several NGOs - 45 fora for citizens -.and political candidates. + Concerts - 13 rock concerts organized by the project "Rock the Vote" to mobilize 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, to vote. * Radio TVVIST program "Slovakia and Democracv" organized by SKOI (Permanent Conference of Civic Institute). Dozens of NGOs distributed 570.600 leaflets, 197.500 posters, 253.000 postcards (including 50.000 raffle postcards), 375.010 stickers.

> SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

4 Project MEMO 98 supported by Slovak Helsinki Citizen's Assembly and the - Association for Support of Local Democracy monitored 5 daily newspapers, 2 TV stations, 2 radio stations. * Election monitoring - the election process was monitored by 1.746 domestic observers 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 through the National Democratic Institute vvere independent but closely cooperated with the OK'98 initiative. The visible activity of OK'98 was the expert analysis of and a campaign against the highly controversial amendment to the Election Law (approved on May 20, 1998 by MPs 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 public discourse about the approaching elections. Other important outputs of this non-profit think tank vvere the publication The analysis of election programs of political parties and movements offering a revievv of electoral programs of key political parties, and y two films for regional TV channels explaining to people the importance of their// 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^mojciatis f(f Ftouno^Table". This informal platform started in June 1998 (7 meethgs took place prior to the elections) and was attended by four democrajicopposition parties - The Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDK), Party of the Democratic Left (SDC), Party of the Hungarian Coalition (SMK) and Party of Civic Understanding (SOP) and four nonpartisan actors - Gremium, Confederation of Trade Unions, Union of Cities and Villages and Slovak Vouth Council. The Democratic Round Table established a new tradition of civic - political dialogue and contributed to the conduct and results'of the election. It should be stressed that attempts vvere repeatedly made by OK'98 representatives to meet with parties of the governing coalition. These attempts vvere not successful. Regular vvell-attended presscgnferences vvere held by OK'98 leaders and involved NGOs. lnterviews and participation in various TV and radio programs played a very important role in success of campaign. The spokesperson of the campaign . Pufflerova became a well-known representative of the third sector.

The results to date

According to domestic and international observers, OK'98 contributed significantly to the fact that parliamentary elections in Slovakia vvere free and fair, that voter turn out vvas 84,3% (higher than in any neighboring country, vvith very high youth participation) that citizens voted for change (four former opposition parties vvhich

SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

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 and commitment to democratic values. The third sector using multiple methods and tools was able to engage citizens in the democratic political process at the local and national level. Public opinion polis conducted by the Institute for Public Affaires during the campaign shovved that over 60% of citizens agreed with the electibnrelated 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 regional TV channels, a special radio program and a political cabaret Velvet mate" vvhich performed in over 20 cities. Media coverage of NGO activities connected with the elections was very high. The national and regional print and electronic media produced hundreds of reports. VVhile the government-controlled media brutally attacked OK'98 initiative, the independent media shovved interest and sympathy tovvards the campaign. Attitudes of the general public, political elites and the International community tovvards third sector have dramatically changed. NGOs have become recognized not only for the variety of their voluntarv, public-benefit type of work; but also for influencing the democratic political process. Some vievvs of various decision-makers and observers about the OK'98 initiative are provided in appendix 4.

Next steps
The first part of the campaign was targeted tovvards parliamentary elections and has concluded. A brief evaluation/celebration of this phase took place shortly after elections on September 30 at an "Extraordinary Stupava Conference" of the third sector in Bratislava. Over 400 participants attended the conference and were greeted by, among others, Michal Kova, former president of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Saktor, President of Trade Unions, Ambassadors of United States, Grea.t Britain and Netherlands and the Head of European Commission. The Conference adopted a Declaration (see appendix 3). A further, in depth, evaluation of OK'98 will be conducted by the Coordinating Council after sufficient data and materials from individua! projects have been collected. Also, several reports and ae studies are being prepared by different groups and specialists (e.g. Donors' Forum, Partners for Democratic Change, Institute for Public Affaires, leaders of individua! projects). The second phase of OK'98 will continue "until local elections scheduled for December 19, 1998 have taken place.

SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

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. There were psvchological barriers within third sector concerning its entry into the field^f ngrvpjrtisan jjolitics. There was a natural fear of conseguences from government institutions and apathy after many unsuccessful struggles. Many NGO leaders believed 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 third sector that free civic initiatives have to exercise their constitutional rights and enter 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 would mobilize the interest, active involvement anoVor supportfrom a sufficient number of grass-root organizations and activists. Under time pressure and an unfavorable political situation it was difficult to create consensus and hope. * Identification and mobilization of financial resources was very important. Grantmaking foundations (locally registered or foreign) and foreign government-linked democracy assistance programs were in most cases effective and user-friendly. * Coordination and communication among NGOs involved was rather complex and sometimes frustrating. Competition, criticism and dissatisfaction of some NGO leaders with the campaign or with some of the projects occurred mostly during the first months.

+ Open and challenging discussions among NGOs and donors about political vs. partisan activitv, positions or statements significantly, shaped the political but nonpartisan nature of OK'98 campaign. * Communication with the general public through the media vvas relatively successful despite the fact that many NGOs are just developing their media relations or PR skills. Communication with the governing coalition on central level vvas practically impossible due to its long-standing attitude tovvards free civic initiatives. Not only did their representatives refuse to meet vvith OK'98 activists or to consent to civic monitors, but they systematically attacked and openly defamed NGOs and their leaders. 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 _strong governments 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 '-j campaign" against the restrictive foundation law, Slovak NGOs vvere able to

SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

respond because they had already created a tradition of and suitable mechanisms for cooperation and consensus building through the annual Stupava Conference 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 as OK'98 must have a deep understanding of democratic political processes. They must understand how to develop and maintain good relations with the media, legal experts, with political representatives, labor unions, mayors, churches and the international community. They, must declare strict non-partisanship (they cannot appear on party list) and must be prepared for a very time-consuming, hectic and often frustrating period. The role of friendships and trust, of confidence building and "coffee breaks" in ore group are important. Regular coordination and information meetings of involved NGOs are inevitable, even in the pase of well developed internet, e-mail and mobile phone communication. Skilled facilitators (like Partners for Democratic Change) are very useful. 4 Although there are general useful techniques and methods vvhich can be adopted and modified e.g. discussion forums, media monitoring, training of civic monitors (National Democratic Institute - NDI literature and expertise was of particular importance), get-out-the v.ote technigues for young people etc., asuccessfuj n J3lej3tignrelatecIcampaign 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 on OK'98 campaign. * In a post-communist environment, an election-related civic campaign vvithout flexible external financial assistance is difficult to imagine. 4 The NGO community has learned many practical lessons about democratic process and how to mobilize the people around the values of civic responsibility. Key leaders of OK'98 will remain active in the field of democracy and civil society building and will continue their work in developing and strengthening democracy and civil society in Slovakia.

Collateral materials/samples
Sample copies of election-related materials, products developed by most NGOs are preserved in the archive of SAIA-SCTS, the library of vvhich contains photographs, clippings from a vvide range of Slovak periodicals, and publications produced by NGOs. Useful general information about the campaign can also be obtained at Nadacia pre obiansku spolonosf- NOS, Miletiova tel.: (421-7) 5024 4189, 5024 4198, fax: (421-7) 5024 42 82, e-mail: nos@nos.sk or at Donors' Forum (Nadacia pre deti Slovenska tel.: (421-7) 5441 7430, 5441 7438, fax: (421-7) 5443 1143, email: filip@nds.sk). Specific information about individual NGOs and their projects and about third sector in general can be obtained at SAIA-SCTS database. --_----------------------------------------------------------------: Pavol Deme, Executive Director SAlA-Service Center for the Third Sector (SAIA-SCTS) Na vrku 8, P.O.Box 108, 810 00 Bratislava 1, Slovakia tel.: (421-7) 544 33 762, fax: (421-7) 544 35 748, e-mail: demes@saia.sk

SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

Appendix No 1

Fifth Stupava Conference Non-governmental Organizations "THE THIRD SECTOR - ACTIVELV VVORKING FOR DEMOCRACV" October 28-29, 1997 Koie, Slovakia FINAL DECLARATION
We, citizens of the Slovak Republic, associated in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) feel responsible for building a state ruled by law and for implementing democratic principles to vvhich we are entitled according to the Constitution of the Slovak Republic. By increasing the participation of the citizens in the conduct of public matters we wish further to contribute to the development of democracy in accordance with the principles of a state ruled by law. We implement the interests of citizens expressed in the statutes and by-laws of NGOs vvith the help of mechanisms and sources open to the proper control of the public and state organs. NGOs are for public inspection but, at the same time, will verify vvhether state organs carry out such revievvs in accordance vvith the law. The participants in the conference: are for an JmpjxxuejlJirajs^arency in the activities of NGOs, especially in the utilization of financial and other sources vvhich is the fundamental pre-requisite for the trust in the third sector of donors and the public. We demand the same of the government and the administrators of public resources. declare that that legal regulations pertaining to the operations of nongovernmental organizations inadequately support, and in many cases actually hinder, their activities and development. We agree on the need to prepare the bases for amending pertinent laws and the vvhole legal context for the existence of the third sector. invite representatives of the business sector to cooperate more closely vvith NGOs. ""' """ development of NGOs. emphasize the need for a closer cooperation vvith local governments even in the form of the direct participation of representatives of NGOs in community politics for the benefit of the citizens, local governments and NGOs. agree that, in the pirit of the slogan "The Third Sector - Actively VVorking for Democracv" we vvill engage in dialog vvith representatives of political and other entities and vvill seek from them an active attitude tovvards the resolution of the problems of citizens. underscore the need that non-governmental organizations also focus their activity on increasing the information available to citizens concerning the conditions for the democratic conduct of the elections of 1998. request the presence of International observers during the pre-election campaigns and the actual elections in accordance vvith the 1990 Copenhagen document of the Committee for Security and Stability in Europe.

-j

n
SAIA-SCTS, OK'98 Campaign of Slovak NGOs for Free and Fair Elections, October 1998

Appendix No 2

OBIANSKA KAMPAN Announcement of Civic Campaign '98 (OK '98) Zvolen, March 3, 1998

We, citizens, representatives of 35 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from throughout Slovakia, met in Zvolen on March 3, 1998 to kick-off the Civic Campaign '98 for free and fair elections. Slovakia is currently in a critical stage in its development. Like the majoritv of our fellovv citizens, we feel a deep distrust in our government. The feeling is spreading among our citizens that their votes cannot alter developments in societv. For this reason it is enormouslv important that we take responsibilitv for our own future in the coming elections. We view it as our moral responsibilitv to contribute to having citizens 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 process in Slovakia, we will make use of our constitutional right to resist these attempts, together with representatives of trade unions, the church, local governments, and other democratic forces. VVithin OK'98 we will initiate and coordinate projects and activities in ali regions of Slovakia, help to deveiop partnerships and coalitipns, and facilitate contacts vvith domestic and foreign institutions and experts. We will focus primarilv on voter education, candidate fora, and monitoring of the electoral process. We are currentlv most unsatisfied with the means of preparation of legislation which is decisive for the election process. Primarilv this refers to the draft Bili on Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, the amendment of the Law on Election of Organs of Local Government of Cities and Villages, and the draft Bili on Regional Self Government. We fundamentallv disagree vvith the way these have been prepared to date and demand that they be made the subject of public discussion.

The contact for non-governmental organizations wanting to join Civic Campaign '98 is Nadacia pre obiansku spolonost1. Contact Ingrid Baumannova: inqrid(ajnos.sk

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Appendix No 3

Extraordinary Stupava Conference "SLOVAKIA AFTER ELECTIONS" SeptemberSO, 1998 Bratislava, Slovakia DECLARATION

By their votes in the parliamentary elections, the citizens of Slovakia created for our country a chance for its democratic development and integration into the European Union. Despite the efforts to discredit them, non-governmental organizations played an important role in the struggle for free and democratic elections. We, representatives of third sector organizations, are prepared to continue publicly beneficial activities, monitor governmental activities, work for the strengthening of a civil society and help build lip the good name of our state. We believe that the citizens and political representatives of Slovakia will demonstrate their ability to deal with 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 expeditious formation of a functional government and parliament; expect that the dialogue betvveen political representatives and non-partisan entities - the third sector, trade unions and local governments will continue after the parliamentary elections; expect an extensive decentralizatinn -Qf-~power, the strengthening of local governments, the renevval of social dialogue and the acceptance of citizen initiatives 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-governmentalj organizations; invite our fellovv citizens, in the November local elections, to decide about those who will administer the public affairs in the cities and towns of our country, with the same responsibility they demonstrated in the parliamentary elections.

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Appendix No 4 OK'98 VIEWED BY DIGNITARIES

"l think, you shovved that your role in society cannot be replaced. In this specific period you took over very bravely the responsibility to defend basic rights of the society." (Michal Kova, President of Slovak republic in 1993-1998) "Much of the work that was done successfully in the recent elections in Slovakia owes its roots to the recognition by so many peopie there that non-governmental organizations and citizen activity were a necessary precondition for true democratic values." (Hillarv Clinton, First Lady of the United States of America, Forum 2000, Prague) "Last vveekend unbelievable 84% of the voters used their right to vote. That was supported by your work. The Third Sector is a jevvel in the Crovvn of Slovakia."
(Peter Harborne, Ambassador of United Kingdom and Northern Ireland)

"We evaluate your pre-election activities in a very positive way, because they 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 not have 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 civic avvareness and active participation."
(Mikula Dzurinda, Leader of Slovak Democratic Coalition)

"l am convinced that after the elections you, as representatives of the Third Sector, will continue in monitoring of the government."
(Christian Bourgin, Charge d'affaires of European Commission Delegation)

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NADACIA PRE OBIANSKU SPOLONOST

Rock volieb 98 Campaign

Report on Activities and Results, 1998 Slovak Parliamentaij Elections

volieb 98
MILETICOVA 23 - 821 09 BRATISLAVA - SLOVENSKO - TEL: 4217-544 4189 - FAX: 4217-544 4282 - e-mail: nos@nos.sk

Rock volieb '98 Campaign Report on Activities and Results 1998 Slovak Parliamentary Elections "The turn-out ofyoung voters was one ofthe most striking characteristics o f 1998 elections." volieb 98
--,--Mgr. Ivan Seik. Director. National Center for Media Communication (NCMK), which conducted exit polling for Slovak Television (STV).

Ovei~view: The Rock volieb '98 campaign, -conceptualized and implemented by Nadacia pre obiansku spolonost' (NOS), set out to achieve a verv clear. short-term goal: To increase the number of voung people planning to participate in the 1998 Slovak parliamentarv elections, th held on September 25 and 26*. Specificallv, Rqck_yolieb '98 vvas a non-partisan campaign targetedat voters_under 25, and particularlvfocusedontheT80,000 first-time~voters (aged 1821). The outcome was stunning. OFga Gvarfaova. from FOCUS Agency. writes.
"The results of polis indicate that the percentage of first-time voters that participated in this vear's parliamentary elections vvas virtually equal to the turnout of ali voters, exceeding 80%. In 1994 elections, onlv one-fifth of first-time voters took part."

Rock volieb '98 mounted a media campaign, both independently and in its cooperation with the 'Volim, teda som' (I vote therefore I am) TV campaign. Rock volieb '98 also used concerts and events. in conjun^n_with_aJms=lojir_to the countrv, to deliver its message. Tnformational and motivational printed materials were creativelv designed and 'marketed' to the target group, vvhile the primarv success in reaching voung people was the fact that ihe campaign was continuallv supported by so many voung and popular Slovak personalities (primarilv musicians and bands). Finailv, NOS attributes much ofthe success to the fact that the campaign remained non-partisan, as young people were naturally wary of partisan and self-serving messages. Gvarfaova. from FOCUS polling agencv. vvrites.
"Generally, pre-election opinion polis showed that voung people were not very interested in politics. This barrier of apathv was broken down by NGOs which did not bear any slogans or signs of political parties or candidates, but which mobilized young people to participate in the election by implementing non-partisan and innovative campaigns (Cesta pre Slovensko. Rock volieb '98. and the 'Volim, teda som' TV spots)."

Preparation: Planning for the Rock volieb '98 campaign began in September, 1997, exactly one vear before the national elections. Due to this early start Rock volieb '98 was already m its advanced planning stages before the OK '98 campaign and most NGO activities focusing on elections had begun to take shape. There were several steps in this planning phase: Studying Several GOTV Models: NOS studied several voter motivation campaigns. and met with Rock the Vote, in the USA, and IRI. vvho conducted a campaign to encourage voung people to vote in the 1997 referendum on NATO. Focus Groups, Polis, and Surveys\ NOS contracted a Focus Group survev to be done in April 1998, by the market research company, MPMA. East-East Exchange of Experience: NOS hosted a group of four Bulgarians vvho had conducted similar efforts prior to Bulgarian elections in 1996. Structure ofthe Campaign: The Rock volieb campaign consisted of four parts: l \\ \ \ l. 2. 3. 4. NationaTK'lediErCampaign Concerts 'Voter-Awareness' Bus/Tour Distribution of Materials and Cooperation vvith Other Organizations Rock volieb '98 Report on Activities and Results -Slovak 1998 Parliamentarv Elections

1. National Media Campaign Movie Theatres: Rock volieb spots were shovvn in movie theatres across Slovakia during the months of August and Septembar, seen by more than 100,000 people. Radio Spots: In cooperation with FUN Radio, the most listened to station in Slovakia. Rock volieb produced eight radio spots. each featuring well- knovvn Slovak personalities encouraging young people to vote in the parliamentarv elections. Web Page: The Rock volieb '98 web page. at \v\v\v.rockvolicb.sk. provided an inexpensive and trendy method of keeping pertinent information up to date and available to people throughout the country. Earned Media: Rock volieb used every opportunity to address its audience tiirough media sources, by taking part in television talk shows, giving interviews on the radio, to nevvspapers arid magazines, and by sending out frequent press releases and holding press conferences. focusing on media which addressed young people. Boomerang Postcard Cahipaign: During the two weeks leading up to parliamentarv elections, Rock volieb had 40,000 Boomerang Freecards distributed in more than 200 popular locations (restaurants, bars, clubs, etc.) in cities throughout Slovakia. Television Campaign: 'Volim, teda som' -1 vote therefore I am Rock volieb's contribution to the 'Volim, teda som' campaign was three-fold. Rock volieb: Contributed an unspecified amount of free airtime on TV Markiza. vvhich had been assigned to Rock volieb '98. By the elections, TV Markiza had donated nearly S2 million worth hi air-time. Contributed spots from Rock the Vote, which appeared. with Slovak subtitles, on both STV and TV Markiza as part of the 'Volim, teda som1 campaign. " Lobbied MTV Europe to show clips from the spots on MTV Europe, along with coverage of the GOTV activities in Slovakia. This included getting approval from international stars that \vere a part of the campaign. The broadcast took place on September 24dl, the day prior to elections, helping to demonstrate to young people that Europe was paying attention to Slovak elections. 2. Concerts and Events: Rock volieb organized two major concerts, one in Koie and one in Bratislava. Top Slovak bands participated in both, and Buty, an extremely popular Czech band. headlined the Bratislava concert. Koie, August 22: Rock volieb staged its first major concert in Koie, on the main street in the center of the Old Town. Despite rain that day, the concert drew more than 1000 people. Bratislava, September 23: The finale concert of Rock volieb '98, on the Main Square of downtown Bratislava, attracted as many as 15,000 voung Slovaks, packing the square to a capacitv that has not been reached in more than a decade. The concert, in vvhich scheduled performers were Buty, Pavol Hammel. Hex. Vidiek, ena z lesoparku, and S.V.S., also contained several surprise guests. Miso Kaak (singer), Robo Grigorov (musician), Robo Roth (actor and singer), Roman Galvanek (lead singer from the Slovak band O.B.D.), Marek Tapak (actor, voice of Fox Mulder in Slovak version of The X-Files). Slovak hip-hop band Trosky, the band Matelko, and others, made appearances betvveen performers to encourage first-time voters to ast their ballot on September 25th and 26lh. The concert also included a deluxe digital video projection presentation, with spots from the 'Volim, teda som' (I vote therefore I am) media campaign interspersed betvveen live coverage of the concert performance and shots of the crovvd. "

Rock volieb '98 Report on Activities andResults -Slovak 1998 Parliamentary Elections

3. Other Concert Events / 'Voter Awareness' Bus-Tour In addition to the two premier concerts in Bratislava and Koie, Rock volieb '98 organized or participated in more than 16 concerts throughout Slovakia. in conjunction \vith a bus-tour. September 4, 1998: Rock volieb Bus-Tour Begins in Banska Bvstrica. \vith the Barbakan Rock volieb '98 Festival. lh September 5 , Trenin: Rock volieb Pohoda Festival tk September 6 , ilina: Vol'na cesta Concert th September 7 , Martin andZvolen: Rock volieb '98 Concerts th September 8 , Poprad: Rock volieb '98 Concert th September 9 , Luenec th September 10 , Dunajska Str eda: Dunajska Streda Fali Market h September ll' , Banska tiavnica: Salamander Davs Festival th September I2 , Preov andBardejov: Rock volieb'98 Concert th September 13 , in Vranov nad Topl'ou: Rock volieb '98 Concert th September 14 , Koie th September 15 , Rimavskd Sobota: Rock volieb '98 Concert September 16', Komdrno and Nove Zamky: Rock volieb '98 Concerts th September 17 , Nitra; Rock volieb '98 Concert th September 18 , Trnova: Rock volieb '98 Concert th September 19 , Dunajska Streda: Rock volieb '98 Concert, Bus-Tour ends. 4. Other Grass-Roots Activities Cooperation with Other Organizations: During the Rock volieb '98 Campaign. more than 150,000 informational leaflets were distributed throughout Slovakia. This never \vould have been possible without the assistance of dozens of organizations and individuals. assisting the Rock volieb campaign on a volunteer basis. Regional Coordinators: In the final few months leading up to elections. Rock volieb was fortunate enough to have been able to set up two regional coordinating offices. Eastern Slovakia, Communitv Foundation of Preov: Martina Mortanikova served as the Rock volieb Regional Coordinator for Eastern Slovakia, in the Communitv Foundation office. Southern Slovakia, Katedra Foundation: Peter Horvath served as the Rock volieb Regional Coordinator for Southern Slovakia. in this Dunajska Streda-based organization. Peter Horvath, fluent in both Slovak and Hungarian, helped to translate and print Rock volieb materials in Hungarian, and to distribute the materials throughout Southern Slovakia. Printed Materials: Motivational Flver (20,000), How to Vote Flyer (70,000), Why to Vote/Rock volieb Program Flyer (70,000), Stickers (300,000+), Pencils (15,000), Concert Flyers: Several different flyers were used to promote various concerts, 'Hungarian' Material, T-Shirts, and Hats. Conclusion: NOS and the staff of Rock volieb '98 vvere pleased to have plaved a strong role in the civic activities that helped to assure that elections vvere free and fair. Particularly, it was the positive and crucial role that young voters played in the process that provided the greatest reward. That the campaign helped to contribute to a higher turnout of voung voters is clear. But what is even more exciting is the fact that, by having shown that voung voters acrually made a real difference. Rock volieb '98 has made an important first step tovvard achieving the longer-term goal of increasing the political involvement and influence of young Slovaks in the country's political institutions. Hovvever, such outstanding results does not suggest that there is no risk of such accomplishments being undone. It is important. therefore, that activities continue, with a steadv and long-term focus, to heighten avvareness that political involvement is an ongoing process \vhich does not end after the elections.

Rock volieb '98 Raport on Activities and Results -Slovak 1998 Parliamentarv Elections