ODIHR experts hold consultations in Prishtinë/Priština as part of Western Balkans election support project

A team of experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was in Prishtinë/Priština from 16 to 19 April for a consultation and planning visit as part of the ODIHR project Support to Elections in the Western Balkans.

In-depth consultations were held with key stakeholders regarding electoral needs, as well as the local roles and responsibilities in the electoral process. The discussions aimed at encouraging an open and consultative reform process and focused on the election administration, voter lists and the role of media during campaigns.

“Through these consultations, we hope to identify ways that ODIHR can support the improvement of the electoral legal framework and practices in an inclusive and transparent process,” said Richard Lappin, Deputy Head of the ODIHR Elections Department.

The ODIHR team met with senior representatives from the Central Election Commission, the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel, the Civil Registration Agency, the Independent Media Commission and the public broadcaster. They also met with representatives of civil society and international organizations, including the European Union. The visit was organized with support from the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

Following the consultations, ODIHR will develop a strategic plan to support the electoral process that complements existing local initiatives and the work of other electoral assistance providers. 

This was the last of six visits – one to each of the six beneficiaries of the project – to be carried out during the first phase of the three-year project. The project is funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency.