OSCE Kosovo Mission asks domestic election observers to be patient
Preparations for the 17 November Kosovo elections are entering their last week. (Lubomir Kotek/OSCE) Photo details
PRISTINA, 9 November 2001 (OSCE) - With almost 13,000 domestic observers accredited to take part in the upcoming Kosovo Assembly Election, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo has issued a plea for patience.
"I am confident that this year, domestic election observers will again prove their commitment to democratic values," said Ambassador Daan Everts, OSCE Head of Mission and Chairman of the Central Election Commission. "I urge them to follow the instructions of the International Polling Station Supervisors and the Polling Station Committees as they work to maintain the orderly processing of voters."
The impressive figure of observers is more than twice the number accredited for last year's election and represents one per cent of the electorate. This could be the highest proportion of election observers to voters in the world.
But the numbers will mean that polling stations will become crowded. As a result, the international polling station supervisors and the Polling Station Committees may, as the Central Election Commission rules allow, limit the numbers who are allowed in to observe the vote at any one time.
It is also very important for all political entities and non-governmental organizations sponsoring observers to make sure they are trained and familiar with election day procedures, to ensure the highest standards of observation.
Three non-governmental organizations have been accredited for observation along with observers from the political entities contesting the Election. In addition, the election is being monitored by 200 international observers from the Council of Europe.
"I am confident that this year, domestic election observers will again prove their commitment to democratic values," said Ambassador Daan Everts, OSCE Head of Mission and Chairman of the Central Election Commission. "I urge them to follow the instructions of the International Polling Station Supervisors and the Polling Station Committees as they work to maintain the orderly processing of voters."
The impressive figure of observers is more than twice the number accredited for last year's election and represents one per cent of the electorate. This could be the highest proportion of election observers to voters in the world.
But the numbers will mean that polling stations will become crowded. As a result, the international polling station supervisors and the Polling Station Committees may, as the Central Election Commission rules allow, limit the numbers who are allowed in to observe the vote at any one time.
It is also very important for all political entities and non-governmental organizations sponsoring observers to make sure they are trained and familiar with election day procedures, to ensure the highest standards of observation.
Three non-governmental organizations have been accredited for observation along with observers from the political entities contesting the Election. In addition, the election is being monitored by 200 international observers from the Council of Europe.