Public statement

How was the referendum campaign financed?

Transparency Serbia considers that citizens of Serbia have the right to know in which way were the budget assets for referendum campaign spent. Campaign was lead in one part by Government Media Office- through advertising in media, billboards and in other ways. However, state campaign is obviously financed also on other ways – such are non commercial advertisements of state enterprises.

Another 150 million of dinars was allocated from the budget to parliamentary political parties for financing of campaign. Considering that by the decisions of allocation of assets- whose legal bases is disputable, isn’t in the same time determined procedure of reporting and control, the possibility to use this money for elections isn’t prevented, directly (e.g. by paying rent of billboard space or by printing posters in advance) or in indirect way (by using the same visual identity).

To clear all suspicions in abuse of gained budget assets, all political parties who wish to act responsible towards tax payers should make and publish detailed reports and documentation from which can be seen in which way they spent those assets.

Transparency Serbia
Press Office

Belgrade, October 31, 2006