Newsroom
Stiff penalties for violations of 2001 electoral rules in Kosovo adopted
PRISTINA 31 May 2001
PRISTINA, 31 May 2001 (OSCE) - Stiff penalties will be imposed on Kosovo's political entities again this year if they break the rules governing the 2001 electoral process. These could range from fines to a candidate or a party being barred from contesting the 17 November election.
The sanctions are detailed in Electoral Rule No. 2/2001, which has been adopted by the Central Election Commission.
The rule paves the way for the appointment of a new Election Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission, the body which will investigate allegations that the rules have been violated by those certified to contest this year's poll.
Operating under the auspices of the Election Commission, the Election Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission will have the authority to order political parties, coalitions, citizens' initiatives or candidates to take corrective action if a complaint against them is found to be valid.
It will also have the authority to impose fines of up to 10,000 DEM on the political entities. If fines are not paid up within seven days, the Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission will inform the Election Commission.
The sub-Commission can also, with the approval of the Election Commission chairperson, impose even tougher sanctions for non-compliance with the electoral rules.
Serious breaches or failure to pay fines could, for example, result in candidates being struck off lists or in the political entity in question being "decertified" or barred from contesting the November election.
As well as dealing with alleged breaches of the electoral rules, the Election Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission is also mandated to adjudicate on appeals relating to voter eligibility.
Anyone whose application to be included on the voters' list is rejected may file an appeal with the sub-Commission and ask it to re-examine the decision.
The Election Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission will be headed by an international commissioner, who will be assisted by up to five deputy commissioners from Kosovo.
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For more information please contact Claire Trevena, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260, mobile: +377 (044) 500-150; email: press@omik.org, website: www.osce.org/kosovo/
The sanctions are detailed in Electoral Rule No. 2/2001, which has been adopted by the Central Election Commission.
The rule paves the way for the appointment of a new Election Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission, the body which will investigate allegations that the rules have been violated by those certified to contest this year's poll.
Operating under the auspices of the Election Commission, the Election Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission will have the authority to order political parties, coalitions, citizens' initiatives or candidates to take corrective action if a complaint against them is found to be valid.
It will also have the authority to impose fines of up to 10,000 DEM on the political entities. If fines are not paid up within seven days, the Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission will inform the Election Commission.
The sub-Commission can also, with the approval of the Election Commission chairperson, impose even tougher sanctions for non-compliance with the electoral rules.
Serious breaches or failure to pay fines could, for example, result in candidates being struck off lists or in the political entity in question being "decertified" or barred from contesting the November election.
As well as dealing with alleged breaches of the electoral rules, the Election Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission is also mandated to adjudicate on appeals relating to voter eligibility.
Anyone whose application to be included on the voters' list is rejected may file an appeal with the sub-Commission and ask it to re-examine the decision.
The Election Complaints and Appeals sub-Commission will be headed by an international commissioner, who will be assisted by up to five deputy commissioners from Kosovo.
--
For more information please contact Claire Trevena, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260, mobile: +377 (044) 500-150; email: press@omik.org, website: www.osce.org/kosovo/