The OSCE mission in Kosovo has called on the CEC to avoid the use of cameras in the polling stations, in the April 21 elections in North Mitrovica, Zubin Potok, Zveçan and Leposaviq.
Through an official statement, the OSCE declares that the voters have the right to expect that their initiative for the dismissal of the mayors of the northern municipalities will be answered in accordance with the relevant legislation, Indeksonline reports.
The OSCE communiqué also calls on voters to decide whether or not to vote for the recall of the mayors, “despite the recent disappointing statements of political parties that discourage voters.”
“Participation of all communities in democratic processes and institutions is essential for facilitating normalization,” the communiqué states, among other things.
This is the full OSCE statement:
More than 20 percent of registered voters in each of the four municipalities: Leposavić, North Mitrovica, Zubin Potok and Zveçan, signed the requests for the recall of the mayors of the municipalities as part of a democratic process initiated by the voters themselves according to Kosovo legislation. Therefore, voters have the right to expect that their initiative will be answered in accordance with the relevant legislation.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has overseen the process respecting the legal framework and will be advised to avoid innovative approaches, such as the use of cameras in voting centers, which would require more thorough review and proper consultation.
Furthermore, despite recent disappointing party political statements that discourage voters from exercising their democratic right, it will be up to voters in each municipality to decide whether or not to vote for the recall of mayors on the 21 april The participation of all communities in democratic processes and institutions is essential to facilitate normalization.
