UNMIK/PR/1650 - Countdown #14
PRISTINA – From the very beginning the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, UNMIK's Institution Building Pillar, has been involved in the election process.
The first in these steps was setting up the Central Election Commission (CEC) in 2000. The body is charged with developing the UN-established legal framework on the conduct of the elections. In 2003 the CEC Secretariat—established as the operational arm of the CEC—was tasked with handling all technical aspects of the electoral process.
Over the years, the OSCE has supported these institutions by serving in an advisory capacity and providing trainings with the goal of gradually transferring knowledge and expertise to the local bodies.
To date, the Mission has achieved transferring over many competencies including Voter Information Campaigns, Observer Accreditation, Distribution of Election Materials and Municipal Election Commissions.
“The very close cooperation between the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the local bodies has contributed to the successful organisation of four elections in Kosovo since 2000,” said Ambassador Werner Wnendt, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
The OSCE is continuing to strengthen the CEC and its Secretariat in preparation for handing over the responsibility of the Voter’s List, the Count and Results Centre.
The Mission also runs the Political Party Registration Office (PPRO). The office maintains the list of all registered political parties and their respective financial information. Political parties cannot operate in Kosovo unless they are registered with PPRO and it is strongly recommended that they submit bi-annual financial reports.
With the gradual handover to Kosovo institutions, the Mission has paved the way for local bodies to manage all operational activities in the future. The OSCE will continue to support this process, but with a focus that now shifts to advising and monitoring.
