Open letter from OSCE Head of Mission to all voters in Kosovo
Ambassador Fieschi casting a ballot at the "test elections" conducted at the OSCE Election Conference on 26 September. (OSCE) Photo details
PRISTINA, 23 October 2002 -
Dear Voter,
This Saturday, 26 October, you - and all the other voters - will have the right to go to the polls and cast your vote.
Never before have so many different political entities run in a Kosovo election. That gives you a real choice and a real opportunity to select your local leaders. Use this opportunity to shape your future.
Municipal elections are about the day-to-day issues that directly affect the quality of your life. From the way health centers (hospitals are run from the center) in your locality are run, to the schools your children attend, from economic planning for a better future, to job creation and environmental protection. It is your local government and your future, and your decision will directly impact the quality of life for you and your family.
The elected people will be in charge of your municipality for the next 4 years. During this period of time many more important governmental responsibilities will be given to those elected Saturday.
Plans for decentralization have been presented. The idea is to have democracy coming even closer to the people of Kosovo. I welcome these plans in line with the latest European developments. I therefore urge you to send your elected local representatives to participate in developing structures that are responsive to your needs. And you have the responsibility to elect the best people for this process as well.
In the past two years the OSCE has been privileged to help build sustainable, multi-ethnic institutions representing the needs and concerns of all the people of Kosovo.
We have also organised these elections with the great help and big interest of the international community. But it is your election. Let me put it this way: We printed the ballot, only you can use it for your future in Kosovo.
We are now at the end of a decent, fair and great political campaign meeting the best European standards. To all the people of Kosovo I want to say that you are that close to a real democratic success, that you have to make it a success with a strong turnout on election day.
It is your Kosovo. It is your future. Don't let others decide for you. Vote.
Ambassador Pascal Fieschi
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo
Dear Voter,
This Saturday, 26 October, you - and all the other voters - will have the right to go to the polls and cast your vote.
Never before have so many different political entities run in a Kosovo election. That gives you a real choice and a real opportunity to select your local leaders. Use this opportunity to shape your future.
Municipal elections are about the day-to-day issues that directly affect the quality of your life. From the way health centers (hospitals are run from the center) in your locality are run, to the schools your children attend, from economic planning for a better future, to job creation and environmental protection. It is your local government and your future, and your decision will directly impact the quality of life for you and your family.
The elected people will be in charge of your municipality for the next 4 years. During this period of time many more important governmental responsibilities will be given to those elected Saturday.
Plans for decentralization have been presented. The idea is to have democracy coming even closer to the people of Kosovo. I welcome these plans in line with the latest European developments. I therefore urge you to send your elected local representatives to participate in developing structures that are responsive to your needs. And you have the responsibility to elect the best people for this process as well.
In the past two years the OSCE has been privileged to help build sustainable, multi-ethnic institutions representing the needs and concerns of all the people of Kosovo.
We have also organised these elections with the great help and big interest of the international community. But it is your election. Let me put it this way: We printed the ballot, only you can use it for your future in Kosovo.
We are now at the end of a decent, fair and great political campaign meeting the best European standards. To all the people of Kosovo I want to say that you are that close to a real democratic success, that you have to make it a success with a strong turnout on election day.
It is your Kosovo. It is your future. Don't let others decide for you. Vote.
Ambassador Pascal Fieschi
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo