The Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced that the campaign period for the second round of mayoral elections in Kosovo will officially begin on November 3 and end at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 9, when polling stations open across the country.
The runoff campaign will take place amid a deepening political crisis, following Prime Minister-designate Albin Kurti’s failure to form a new government and growing speculation that extraordinary parliamentary elections could be held in December.
CEC spokesperson Valmir Elezi told Ekonomia Online that political parties and candidates will have just over six days to organize their campaign activities.
“During the period from November 3 until the opening of polling stations on November 9, political entities and candidates will be allowed to conduct their campaign activities,” said Elezi. “According to the Law on General Elections, adopted in 2023, the campaign officially ends once voting begins. Therefore, as in the October 12 elections, Saturday will not be considered an election silence day,” he explained.
Elezi emphasized that the law also includes strict prohibitions on certain campaign practices.
“The law defines a series of prohibited actions for political parties, candidates, and their supporters — primarily focused on preventing obstruction of opponents’ campaigns, and banning threats and violence during the electoral process. The campaign must take place in a calm, respectful, and democratic atmosphere, free from hate speech, intimidation, and any form of violence,” Elezi added.
Throughout the campaign, the CEC will deploy monitoring teams in multiple municipalities to oversee campaign events, advertising, and promotional materials. These monitors will compile detailed reports on party activities, which will later be compared with financial reports submitted by political entities to ensure transparency in campaign spending.
The second round of municipal elections is expected to take place in the following municipalities: Gjakova, Gjilan, Dragash, Kaçanik, Klinë, Fushë Kosovë, South Mitrovica, Obiliq, Rahovec, Pejë, Prishtinë, Prizren, Suharekë, Viti, Vushtrri, Junik, Mamushë, and Kllokot.
