BELGRADE, September 25 (Xinhua) -- Yugoslav Federal Electoral Commission Chairman Borivoje Vukicevic said on Monday that the Yugoslav federal election has been conducted in a democratic and fair atmosphere. Vukicevic made the remark at a banquet for international observers held by the Chamber of Citizens, the lower house of the Yugoslav parliament, according to Yugoslav Tanjug news agency. Vukicevic went on to say that the Yugoslav federal electoral commission fulfilled its responsibilities efficiently and lawfully from the beginning to the end. Vukicevic also extended thanks to the nearly 200 International observers from more than 50 countries for letting the world know the truth about the Yugoslav electoral process, which he stressed as extremely important for the Yugoslav people at this moment. At the banquet, Chairman of the Chamber of Citizens Milomir Minic spoke highly of the Yugoslav voters during the election. He said the voters showed a strong political will and good wishes for the stability and prosperity of the federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Yugoslav federal election for the next president and parliament members was held on Sunday as scheduled. A total of 10, 500 ballot stations were set up across the country. With 7.8 million voters registered, the voting rate has reportedly surpassed 70 percent. The federal electoral commission said voting results from ballot stations across the country will be collected and reported to the commission in 72 hours after the ballot finished at 8 p.m. (1800GMT) Sunday. The commission has not issued any official ballot counting figures despite both the ruling Socialist party and the opposition claimed that their candidates were leading in partial results. ______________________________________________________
