Up to Kosovo to make November elections a success, says Everts
Ambassador Daan Everts, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, speaking at a press conference. (Lubomir Kotek/OSCE) Photo details
PRISTINA, 3 October 2001 (OSCE) - Daan Everts, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, speaking at today's ceremony to mark the official start of the 45-day election campaign period, has told the people of Kosovo that is it up to them to make next month's Assembly Election a success. Mr. Everts was joined by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the UN Mission in Kosovo, Hans Haekkerup.
"This campaign will lead to the first ever democratic Kosovo-wide election," Mr. Everts told politicians, members of the province's Central Election Commission, official observers, and the media.
"I assure you that the OSCE is technically and logistically ready. Most importantly, we have an inclusive voters' list and no less than 26 certified entities, also representing all of Kosovo's communities. Now it's up to you - parties, candidates and voters - to make this election a success", the OSCE Head of Mission said.
Mr. Everts reminded those contesting the election of their responsibilities from now up until election day on 17 November, and warned that violations of the electoral rules would by dealt with severely by the election complaints body.
From today, all political entities, as well as their supporters, are bound by the code of conduct. The political entities must also adhere to rules on campaign financing. This year, the cap on campaign spending is 0.5 DEM per registered voter. The broadcast media are also obliged to provide free airtime to the certified entities so that voters can make an informed choice when casting their ballot. Mr. Everts urged the media to abide by the rule.
Thanking OSCE for its role in organizing these elections, Mr. Haekkerup called for a peaceful campaign: "Democracy and violence do not go together," he said. "It is everyone's task to ensure a genuinely democratic election process."
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For further information, contact the OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena, Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 x260 / mobile: +377-44-500-150, e-mail: press@omik.org / website: www.osce.org/kosovo.
"This campaign will lead to the first ever democratic Kosovo-wide election," Mr. Everts told politicians, members of the province's Central Election Commission, official observers, and the media.
"I assure you that the OSCE is technically and logistically ready. Most importantly, we have an inclusive voters' list and no less than 26 certified entities, also representing all of Kosovo's communities. Now it's up to you - parties, candidates and voters - to make this election a success", the OSCE Head of Mission said.
Mr. Everts reminded those contesting the election of their responsibilities from now up until election day on 17 November, and warned that violations of the electoral rules would by dealt with severely by the election complaints body.
From today, all political entities, as well as their supporters, are bound by the code of conduct. The political entities must also adhere to rules on campaign financing. This year, the cap on campaign spending is 0.5 DEM per registered voter. The broadcast media are also obliged to provide free airtime to the certified entities so that voters can make an informed choice when casting their ballot. Mr. Everts urged the media to abide by the rule.
Thanking OSCE for its role in organizing these elections, Mr. Haekkerup called for a peaceful campaign: "Democracy and violence do not go together," he said. "It is everyone's task to ensure a genuinely democratic election process."
--
For further information, contact the OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena, Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 x260 / mobile: +377-44-500-150, e-mail: press@omik.org / website: www.osce.org/kosovo.