International Observers Predict Trouble in U.S. Vote

International observers predicted problems in the U.S. presidential election with new voting machines and warned the result could again be delayed, four years after a disputed count determined who won the White House. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe observers issued a report this week on preparations for the Nov. 2 vote, after a visit earlier this month. The group highlighted concerns over the machines, voter eligibility rules and allegations of intimidation aimed at lowering the turnout of ethnic minorities. "In general, the nationwide replacement of voting equipment, inspired by the disputes witnessed during the 2000 elections, primarily in Florida, may potentially become a source of even greater controversy during the forthcoming elections," the group said in the report which was posted to its Web site (www.osce.org/odihr).  [more ]

• Election Criminal Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday that "conspiracy theories" about the state's voting machines are "nonsense," and he criticized former President Jimmy Carter for questioning whether Florida can hold a fair election. Carter said in an opinion piece in Monday's Washington Post that despite changes designed to eliminate voting problems in Florida, conditions for a fair election still do not exist. Carter wrote that a repetition of the problems of 2000 -- when some Floridians said they didn't have confidence their votes were counted -- appeared likely. "There is this constant haranguing of nonsense, including President Carter -- which is a surprise to me because I've admired his compassionate actions in his post-presidential period," Bush said. [more ]