transparency, and examined in detail the context in which Serbian elections take place and the
legal and institutional framework.
(2) The opinion poll was conducted on a representative sample of the population aged 18
and over throughout Serbia excluding Kosovo, using the CATI telephone surveying technique.
The survey instrument was a 44-item questionnaire (including socio-demographic information)
that covered the following topics: (1) experience with pressure and abuse of electoral rights;
(2) voter experience and effectiveness of institutions in resolving electoral disputes; (3)
knowledge and understanding of the electoral dispute resolution process; and (4) trust in
crucial electoral institutions. Since internationally recognized standards comprise education,
outreach, and information, this poll was performed mainly to ensure better understanding of
public attitudes and identify priorities for future action.
* The poll did not go into details of dispute resolution for financial reporting and abuse of public
resources, since neither of these topics was seen as matters of public knowledge (this is particularly
true for financial reporting by political parties) but was rather confined to a narrow circle of experts
or stakeholders.
(3) The qualitative survey involved 19 different stakeholders (political parties and
organisations, academia, legal experts, and the judiciary). The survey instrument here was a
semi-structured questionnaire that was conceived to identify to what extent resolution of
electoral disputes in Serbia was aligned with the four principles of fairness, efficiency,
effectiveness, and transparency mentioned above.
* In contrast to the opinion poll, this survey did look at disputes with financial reporting and abuse of
public resources, as well as the role of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA).
Figure 2.2.1. Visual representation of the methodological approach
•Opinion polling
•Legal assesment
+ consultations
with legal
experts
•Stakeholder
analysis
General
public
Political
parties
Government
institutions
The media,
civil society,
community of
experts
•Election
monitors'
reports
Principles: fairness, efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency
5