In response to an invitation by the President of Kosovo, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission to observe the Kosovo early legislative elections scheduled for 11 June 2017.
After the municipal elections in 2013 and the parliamentary elections in 2014, this is the third time the EU deploys a fully-fledged Election Observation Mission to Kosovo, reflecting the EU’s commitment to supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the broader framework of Kosovo’s reform process.
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, has appointed Mr Alojz Peterle, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.
The High Representative stated: “The upcoming early legislative elections on 11 June will be a new opportunity for the citizens of Kosovo to express their political will. Under the leadership of Chief Observer Mr Peterle, I am confident that the European Union Election Observation Mission will provide an important contribution to the further strengthening of Kosovo’s democratic institutions. The deployment of this Election Observation Mission confirms the EU’s support for Kosovo’s democratic governance. We expect all political parties, leaders and institutions of Kosovo to ensure that these important elections, including the election campaign, are conducted in line with European democratic standards”.
The Chief Observer, Mr Peterle, declared: “I am deeply honoured to lead the Election Observation Mission to Kosovo. I trust all stakeholders will contribute to fully ensure that the upcoming elections will be peaceful, transparent and inclusive.”
The Election Observation Mission started its deployment on 16 May. A Core Team of seven EU election analysts is now in Kosovo and will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process. As from 26 May the Core Team will be joined by 16 long-term observers who will be deployed across Kosovo, and later on for the election week on 7 June by 32 additional short-term observers. A delegation of the European Parliament and diplomats from EU Member States accredited to Kosovo will also reinforce the mission on the Election Day.
Shortly after the Election Day, the mission will issue a preliminary statement of its findings at a press conference in Pristina. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented at a later stage, after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.
