Thousands of voters turn out to cast ballots in Kosovo elections

PRISTINA, 28 October 2000 - Voters are turning out in thousands throughout Kosovo to cast their ballots in Saturday's municipal elections.

Minor delays have been reported at some polling stations, where people are waiting in long queues. The delays occurred at large polling stations, such as some in Pristina city.

The OSCE commends those waiting in queues to cast their ballots. Officials are asking these voters to continue to patient and offers assurances that polling stations will remain open as long as it takes to process the voters who are queuing.

For further information on the Kosovo municipal elections, contact OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Press and Public Information Section, tel.: +381-38-500-162; fax: +381-38-500-188; e-mail: press@omik.org; Mr. Roland Bless, Spokesperson, (ext. 260), mobile: +377-44-158-847 (044-124-065 within Kosovo) ; or +389-70-250-576; Ms. Laura O'Mahony, Press Officer, (ext. 118), mobile: +389-70-250-434; +377-44-158-843 (044-158-843 within Kosovo); Mr. Sven Lindholm, Press Officer, (ext. 218), mobile: +389-70-250-435 or +377-44-158-845