In a calm atmosphere and without major incidents, Kosovo citizens voted on Sunday to elect mayors and the composition of municipal assemblies. With a turnout of 39.5 percent, lower than in the 2021 local elections, the race brought close results in most municipalities, which will go to runoffs.
After a month of campaigning, promises and political rivalry, the country's citizens headed to the ballot boxes on Sunday to decide who will lead the municipalities and municipal assemblies for the next four years.
The process was conducted in a calm atmosphere, but with lower turnout than in previous elections. The political race brought results that could change the local electoral map of Kosovo, but only after the second round.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeIn Pristina, Prizren, Peja, Gjakova and Mitrovica – the race remains open as none of the candidates secured over 50 percent of the votes.
There are 21 municipalities that, according to preliminary results, are heading towards the end of the race in the first round.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo, according to preliminary results, won without a runoff in Ferizaj, Skenderaj and Hani i Elezit, but was defeated in its historical bastion, Drenas, by the opposing candidate who was part of the PDK until the last elections, Ramiz Lladrovci.
The Vetevendosje Movement managed to secure over 50 percent of the votes in Kamenica, Podujevo and Shtime. The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo won in Deçan and Klina. The LDK achieved victory with the former in Istog and Lipjan.
The initiative won in Malisheva and the KDTP in Mamusha.
Meanwhile, the Serbian List has won most of the municipalities with a Serb majority, winning without a runoff in Leposaviq, Novobërdë, Shtërpcë, Zubin-Potok, Zveçan, Graçanicë, Ranillug, Partesh and North Mitrovica. But this party will go to a runoff in Kllokot. The Serbian List candidate, Božidar Dejanović, managed to win 41,62 but will be in the second round with the candidate of the Serbian National Unity, Sreqko Spasić.
According to the CEC, Sunday's election process went largely smoothly and without major incidents, while during the day only a few minor delays were reported in the opening of polling stations in some areas and the photographing of ballots.
The turnout in the local elections of October 12 is 39.51 percent. According to CEC data, 2 million 69 thousand 98 citizens were eligible to vote in these elections. Of these, over 800 thousand voted. About 44 thousand of them were able to vote by mail from abroad in the period September 17 - October 11.
Turnout in Sunday's elections is lower compared to the first round of local elections held in 2021, when just over 43 percent voter turnout was recorded.
Victory without a runoff
After the ballot boxes were closed, the CEC began publishing the results for mayors and municipal assemblies in real time. Some of the entities that received the results from the commissioners also appeared at media conferences.
The acting Prime Minister, also the leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, had only one status on Facebook after the ballot boxes closed.
"Today, with calm and prudence, the citizens of Kosovo once again demonstrated democratic culture by spending the day of local elections with dignity and responsibility. I thank all citizens for their support for the VETËVENDOSJE Movement! and our candidates in the municipalities. This faith is our strength to continue with work and dedication forward. But, now is the time for commissioners and observers, who not only count the votes, but also preserve them and the expressed will of the citizens", Kurti wrote on "Facebook".
And in a statement to the media after midnight, the candidate for Pristina from VV, Hajrulla Çeku, thanked all the activists and citizens who have supported Vetëvendosje in the capital.
"For this extraordinary commitment and this very good result that we have secured to bring about great change in Pristina, I thank all our voters and activists. This is just our beginning towards a great victory," he said.
Çeku said that his rival in the runoff, Përparim Rama, "is the mayor with the least support out of all the mayors who have competed in these elections."
Meanwhile, several candidates for mayor of this party declared victory in the first round.
The current mayor of Podujeva, Shpejtim Bulliqi, announced his victory in the evening without a runoff. Bulliqi from Vetëvendosje said that he won the race, which will be his second mandate. The victory was also declared by this party's candidate in the Municipality of Gjilan, Alban Hyseni, and in Fushë-Kosovo, Valon Prebreza, who will nevertheless be in the runoff.
Faton Peci, VV's candidate for mayor of Mitrovica, has reacted after the results revealed that there will be a runoff between him and PDK's Arian Tahiri.
"I love you so much Mitrovica," he wrote.
After counting over 92 percent of the votes, the Vetëvendosje candidate in Kamenica, Kadri Rahimaj, and the one in Shtimje, Qemajl Aliu, emerged as the winners - two municipalities in which he had governed for the last four years. Vetëvendosje, as the second party with its candidates, will be in the runoff in Prishtina, Mitrovica, Peja, Gjakova and Prizren.
Other parties also declared victory in the municipalities where they were confirmed as the top parties with over 50 percent in the first round.
The victory in Mitrovica was announced by the leader of the Democratic Party, Memli Krasniqi.
Krasniqi said that PDK leads in the number of municipalities won without a runoff, by number of votes per party.
He said that when "the last votes in Mitrovica are counted, then Arian Tahiri will be the new mayor of this municipality."
"The big and the small, from the incumbent prime minister to the last in the government, have come wanting to take the votes of Mitrovica residents, but you have shown that votes are not obtained through deceit and arrogance. I invite you to be together with full confidence until the last vote is counted, which I am convinced will elect a new mayor of Mitrovica, Arian Tahiri," said Krasniqi at the rally held at the "Minatori" gym after the closing of the voting centers.
But the results published by the CEC confirmed that Tahiri will be in a runoff with Faton Peci from the Vetëvendosje-Guxo Movement.
The PDK won without a runoff in Skenderaj with candidate Sami Lushtaku, in Ferizaj with Agim Aliu, and in Han i Elezit with Mehmet Ballazhi.
LDK declares victory in three municipalities
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, has announced his party's victory in three municipalities without a runoff and stated that the LDK has returned as the leading political force in Pristina after 12 years.
In a press conference after the election process ended, Abdixhiku said that the LDK won without a runoff in Istog, Lipjan and Junik, congratulating the candidates on these victories. However, CEC data shows that there will still be a runoff in Junik.
Close to victory in the first round, the LDK leader said that they are also in Peja with Gazmend Muhaxheri and in Dragash with Bexhet Xheladini. He expressed his conviction that with the votes of the diaspora, these two municipalities will end without a runoff.
He emphasized that the party is winning, leading or competing in 12 municipalities, describing October 12 as the day of the 12 municipalities of the LDK.
Abdixhiku congratulated the "main winner" of these elections, Përparim Rama.
"After 12 years, we are the leading party in Pristina. Our return to the capital is a sign of the work of Progress and the return of LDK. After counting over 70 percent of the votes by our commissioners, Rama has 36%, Çeku 32% and Ismaili 26%," Abdixhiku said.
He added that the LDK is on the verge of victory in Viti and Obiliq, while he said that it will compete in the runoff in Fushë Kosovë, Suhareka, Gjilan and Rahovec.
The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, has described the results of the local elections as historic, only through a status on Facebook.
"I would like to thank you for this historic victory and result. Every competitor, every commissioner, every observer, every person who contributed to this result. Those who completed the race tonight, start working tomorrow. And in a few days, your colleagues who made me proud will also start working," Haradinaj wrote on Facebook.
According to preliminary results, AAK has retained the municipalities it has led. It has won in Deçan and Klina.
There was also a strong competition in the municipality of Drenas. The current mayor, Ramiz Lladrovci, who ran with a separate list, after PDK did not mandate him for another term, won 52 percent, while Petrit Hajdari of PDK, 37,23 percent. Nisma won in Malisheva and the Turkish party, KDTP in Mamusha.
Quiet and without major incidents
Election day passed peacefully and without major incidents that would have disrupted the process. After the end of voting, the Kosovo Police announced that two cases for “violation of the secrecy of voting” were initiated on Sunday, one in the village of Bare in South Mitrovica and one in Kllokot, while the cases on suspicions of “photographing the vote”, as the Police said with the authorization of the competent prosecutors, remained as an “official note”. 11 such cases were reported. The Police said that in general the entire electoral process passed peacefully and without major incidents.
"The Kosovo Police, in close cooperation and coordination with the State Prosecution, has initiated two (2) cases of 'Violation of the secrecy of voting', one in the village of Bare - South Mitrovica and the other in Kllokot - DRP Gjilan, while the cases on suspicions of 'photographing the vote', with the authorization of the competent prosecutors, have remained as 'official record' eleven (11) cases/information. Regarding the cases, the persons escorted to police stations, after being interviewed with the authorization of the competent prosecutors, have been released in a regular procedure", the Kosovo Police announced.
The Police have also processed 10 pieces of information of various natures related to the electoral process. However, it has been assessed that there are no elements related to criminal offenses.
In the case of the shooting in Komoran, where a car was damaged, two people were arrested, and it was said that it was not related to the electoral process.
"The Kosovo Police, with the authorization of the competent prosecution, is conducting inspections and continuing with intensive investigations into the case, while the persons escorted after the interview have been released. Also, about ten (10) pieces of information of various natures related to the electoral process have been handled, for which in cooperation and coordination with the competent prosecutors it was assessed that there were no elements or evidence related to criminal offenses and were recorded only as information. The Kosovo Police assesses that the police plan has been successfully implemented, thanks to inter-institutional cooperation, thanks to the work and commitments of police officers as well as the high culture shown by the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, therefore it thanks all institutions, citizens and the media for the cooperation shown with the Kosovo Police", the Kosovo Police announced.
In addition to the Police, around 100 state prosecutors and support staff have been on duty throughout Kosovo to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.
After the closing of the voting, the Prosecution announced that it had received some information and after verifying and processing it, until the closing of the voting process, it was found that only two of them present elements of the commission of criminal offenses against voting rights.
"The first case was initiated in the village of Bare - South Mitrovica, for the criminal offense: "Violation of the secrecy of voting", where the suspect was released in regular procedure by decision of the prosecutor. Meanwhile, the second case was initiated in Kllokot - Gjilan, for the criminal offense: "Violation of the free determination of voters", where the suspect was released in regular procedure by decision of the prosecutor," the announcement states.
It is further announced that state prosecutors will continue to supervise the counting of votes at polling stations until they are sent to municipal counting centers.
The coalition of non-governmental organizations, "Democracy in Action", has also stated that Sunday's voting process in the local elections was calm and democratic, according to its teams of observers who have been closely following the progress of the voting process since the opening of polling stations.
"Assisted voting has been a very pronounced phenomenon, where many voters, especially women and young people, have been assisted by their relatives and other persons. In fact, in many cases, assisted voting has not been recorded at all in the Voter Book. The changes of Voting Centers by the CEC for a considerable number of voters have caused serious problems in the field, and a large number of voters have returned without having the opportunity to vote, as their names have not been found in the Voter List. Despite the numerous changes in the voter lists, the situation has worsened as a result of the lack of assistance tables in a significant part of the voting centers," the announcement states.
It was further stated that the presence of promotional materials, posters and business cards within a 100-meter perimeter of Voting Centers was also noted, while in some municipalities there was also organized voting for groups of citizens.
And the member of the Vetëvendosje Movement in the CEC, Sami Kurteshi, said at one of the CEC conferences that the Serbian List held a massive rally. According to him, Serbs from northern Mitrovica went to the polling station in an organized manner where "the corridors and voting centers were deliberately blocked to cause problems and incidents."
One of the direct measures taken to preserve electoral integrity was the installation of recording cameras at every polling station. They were placed in the 38 Municipal Counting Centers and the Counting and Results Center.
Leaders' calls
State leaders also voted in Sunday's local elections, calling for a peaceful and democratic process.
After casting her vote in the capital, President Vjosa Osmani mentioned Serbia's interference in the Kosovo elections. According to her, Serbia has continuously interfered in the electoral processes in Kosovo through the Serbian List.
"As you know, Serbia has repeatedly interfered in the electoral processes in Kosovo. Naturally, we, together with the security institutions, will do our best to guarantee the right to freedom of vote to all citizens of Kosovo, including those in the north. However, I hope that after the European Parliament rapporteur for Kosovo, we will have even more international institutions that will react and take measures for these flagrant violations of international law by Serbia, which also includes direct interference in the elections of another state, in this case Kosovo, including various, even criminal, methods for these interventions," Osmani declared.
According to her, the more massive the voter turnout, the stronger the democracy in the country.
"It is an important day for our democracy and the more massive the participation in electoral processes, the stronger our democracy will be. I hope that this will be a process with results to our benefit... It is very important that citizens exercise their right to vote and through it decide on the services they will use and the way their municipalities will be governed," she said.
Speaker of Parliament Dimal Basha invited all citizens to come out en masse and vote, adding that "the vote is your voice that is heard and the most direct way to influence decisions that affect our daily lives."
"Let this day be a celebration of democracy, with peaceful voting, high participation and a full spirit of citizenship. This is how we prove once again our democratic maturity and sincere love for the country we love," Basha wrote on Facebook.
And the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, invited citizens to become partners in solving the problems they face.
"We vote to decide for the next four years in our municipalities. In addition to being citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, we are also residents of the municipality. I invite all citizens to exercise their right, to become stakeholders in solving the problems they have," he said.
The EU and European diplomats closely monitored the elections.
Representatives of the European Union in Pristina and accredited diplomats were active on election day.
The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, announced that he has visited several polling stations in northern Mitrovica and Zvecan - municipalities inhabited by a Serb majority.
"It's great to see people coming out and participating in these very important local elections for Kosovo," the British ambassador said in a video posted on Facebook.
"The British Embassy has teams all over the country and I'm very pleased to see how this is developing across the country and I hope to see lots of people voting and taking part," he added.
EU Ambassador Aivo Orav visited polling stations in Pristina and North Mitrovica.
Through a post on the social network "X", the European Union in Kosovo announced that Orav joined colleagues from the European Union in Kosovo and representatives of Member States and partner countries located throughout Kosovo.
"EU Ambassador Aivo Orav joined #Diplomaticwatch for today's Local Elections together with European Union colleagues in Kosovo and representatives of Member States and partner countries located throughout Kosovo," the announcement said.
Orav said these visits provided valuable insight into the process.
"Visits to polling stations in Pristina and North Mitrovica provided a valuable insight into the process," he stated.
And KOHË's Brussels correspondent, Augustin Palokaj, said that the European Union views the local elections in Kosovo with exceptional importance.
According to him, these elections for the EU are more important than the parliamentary ones because of northern Kosovo.
In a direct link to "KTV", Palokaj said that for official Brussels it is not important who will win in which municipality, but how the process will proceed.
Palokaj also mentioned the return of northern Serbs to Kosovo institutions as one of the most important issues for the EU regarding these elections.
"The European Union is interested in these elections, not because they care who will win in which municipality, but because they care that the electoral process is peaceful and that citizens can exercise their right to vote freely and without outside interference. They do not want cases where there was interference to be repeated, especially in northern Kosovo. What the EU is interested in is that after the electoral process, new local governments are constituted, and in particular, their interest is in northern Kosovo where they expect, as a positive return according to them, the return of Kosovo Serbs to Kosovo institutions. Usually the European Union is not interested in local elections, but in the case of Kosovo they have extraordinary importance, perhaps even more than the general elections," he said.
The competition was also tight for the municipal assemblies. The surprise occurred in Pristina, where the Vetevendosje Movement, which had been the leading party until now, has fallen to third place in terms of the number of councilors it will have.
The Democratic League came in first with 28.86 percent of the vote out of 72 percent of the vote counted. The Democratic Party of Kosovo came in second with 22.6 percent of the vote.
The VV now has 21.67 percent of the votes for the Pristina municipal assembly. AAK is fourth with 9.9 percent, while Fehmi Kupina's League of Pristina is fourth with 7.47 percent.
17 municipalities in the runoff, mostly VV
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Vetëvendosje Movement will compete in the runoff for 12 of the 20 municipalities that go to the second round, based on the results from the counting of more than 90 percent of the votes. The largest party at the central level has won without a runoff in Kamenica, Podujevo and Shtime according to the results so far.
And she is also leading in Gjilan and Fushë-Kosovo as the first. While as the second, she will be in the runoff, always based on the results so far, also in Gjakova, Kaçanik, Mitrovica, Obiliq, Rahovec, Peja, Prishtina, Prizren, Viti and Vushtrri.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo has also won in three municipalities without a runoff. It has secured victory in Skenderaj, Ferizaj and Hani i Elezit, while it also leads in Kaçanik, Mitrovica, Prizren and Vushtrri, but with less than 50 percent of the vote. In the runoff, this party will also come in second in Dragash and Klina.
The Democratic League of Kosovo has won Istog and Lipjan without a runoff, while it is also leading as the first party in the first round in Dragash, Obiliq, Pristina, Peja, Viti and Junik. This party will go to the runoff as the second party in Gjilan, Fushë Kosova and Suhareka.
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo has won without a runoff in Deçan. It also led in the first round in Gjakova, Klina, Rahovec and Suhareka. However, it has not managed to get over 50 percent of the vote to secure victory since Sunday, October 12. As a second round, it will compete in Junik.
The Serbian List has secured victories without a runoff in nine municipalities, while in Kllokot it will face Srpska Narodna Sloga in a runoff.
Without a runoff, according to the first results, the race has also ended in Drenas, where Ramiz Lladrovci is leading with over 50 percent, Nisma, which is winning in Malisheva, and Mamusha, led by KDTP.
No runoff
VV
· Kamenica
· Podujevo
· Shtime
PDK
· Elez Han
· Ferizaj
· Skenderaj
LDKs
· Istog
· Lipjan
BARGE
· Decan
Ramiz Lladrovci
· Drenas
KDTP
· Mamushë
INITIATIVE
· Malisheva
LS
· Gracanica
· Leposavic
· Mitrovica V.
· Novo Brdo
· Partesh
· Ranillug
· Štrpce
· Zubin Potok
· Zvecan
Municipalities in the runoff
Dragash – LDK – PDK
Kosovo Polity – VV – LDK
Gjakova – AAK – VV
Gjilan – VV – LDK
Junik – LDK – AAK
Kaçanik – PDK – VV
Klina – AAK – PDK
Kllokot – LS – SNS
Mitrovica – PDK – VV
Obiliq – LDK – VV
Peja – LDK – VV
Pristina – LDK – VV
Prizren – PDK – VV
Rahovec – AAK – VV
Suhareka – AAK – LDK
Year – LDK – VV
Vushtrri – PDK – VV
Çeku: We have achieved a very good result - Rama, the mayor with the least support
The Vetëvendosje Movement's candidate for mayor of Pristina, Hajrulla Çeku, has declared that he has achieved a very good result in the local elections, describing this as the first step towards victory in the runoff.
In a statement to the media after the closing of the voting process, Çeku thanked all the activists and citizens who supported Vetëvendosje in the capital.
"For this extraordinary commitment and this very good result that we have secured to bring about great change in Pristina, I thank all our voters and activists. This is just our beginning towards a great victory," he said.
Çeku emphasized that the current mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama, "is the only mayor with the least support out of all the mayors who have competed in these elections."
According to him, "two-thirds of voters have demanded change, and this change will come in the runoff."
He added that Vetëvendosje remains "the only option for change in the capital" and "the only party that has reconfirmed the cities where it has governed."
According to preliminary results, Çeku has about 1 votes less than Rama and the runoff on November 9 will be decisive for Pristina.
Çeku announced that tomorrow at 10:00, Albin Kurti will hold a conference regarding the progress of the elections.
Radoniqi: The counting process will be completed within a week
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published the preliminary results for the local elections of October 12. The Chairman of the CEC, Kreshnik Radoniqi, presented the real results in each municipality, based on the CEC's online platform. He said that the counting in the Municipal Counting Centers will begin tomorrow, while he stated that the counting process will be completed in full within a week.
"The Municipal Counting Centers will begin work on the counting of the Municipal Assemblies tomorrow. The start time of the counting will be 12:00 noon or in some places at 16:00...I believe that within this week we will have the result", he emphasized.
Radoniqi added that the online platform for presenting results in real time is supported by Great Britain.
"The electronic results platform is continuing to function without any problems and today alone, more than 3.5 million unique visitors have been served with information that has been updated regularly," he said.
Counting ends in 12 municipalities
Illustration
Photo: Driton Pacharada
According to preliminary results from the CEC, the count has been completed in 12 municipalities - Deçan, Gjilan, Dragash, Fushë Kosovë, Obiliq, Vushtrri, Junik, Mamushë, Graçanicë, Ranillug, Partesh, Kllokot.
In Deçan, Bashkim Ramosaj of AAK won without a runoff.
And in Gjilan, a runoff is expected between Alban Hysen of LVV and Arbër Ismajli of LDK.
Bexhet Xheladini of LDK will be in a runoff with Shaban Shaban of PDK in Dragash.
In Fushë-Kosovo, the runoff will be between Valon Prebeza of LVV and Besnik Osmani of LDK.
Xhafer Gashi of LDK in Obiliq will be in a runoff with Halil Thaçi of LVV.
Feriz Idrizi of PDK in Vushtrri will be in a runoff with Sylejman Meholli of LVV.
Ruzhdi Shehu of LDK in Junik will be in a runoff with Agron Kuçi of AAK.
In Mamusha, Abulhadi Krasniç of the KDTP won without a runoff.
In Gracanica, Ranillug and Partesh, the candidates of the Serbian List won without a runoff.
And in Kllokot, Božidar Dejanović of the Serbian List will be in a runoff with Srecko Spasić of the Serbian People's Alliance.
In Vushtrri, Ferit Idrizi and Sylejman Meholli are in the runoff.
Ferit Idrizi of PDK and Sylejman Meholli of Vetëvendosje will compete in the runoff for the position of mayor of Vushtrri.
Based on the preliminary results published by the CEC, after processing all voting centers, incumbent President Idrizi leads with 45.56 percent of the votes. Meholli is second with 30.63 percent. And Xhafer Tahiri of the LDK came in third with 19.72 percent.
These figures do not include votes from the diaspora and conditional votes.
Diaspora votes, decisive for the Gjilan runoff
Arber Ismajli & Alban Hyseni
Diaspora votes could be decisive if there is a runoff in Gjilan.
According to preliminary results from the counting of all votes, Alban Hyseni of LVV has 21.463 votes or 49.79%.
Meanwhile, Arbër Ismajli of LDK has 34.24% or 14.761 votes.
In Gjilan, the number of registered voters from the diaspora is 2066. The CEC has not indicated how many votes it has received from abroad.
These votes could even determine whether Gjilan will go to the runoff.
Fierce race for the capital's Assembly, PDK overtakes VV
From the first party it has been until now, the Vetëvendosje Movement has fallen to the third party in the race for the Pristina Assembly.
The Democratic League came first with 28.86 percent of the vote out of 72 percent of the votes counted.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo came in second place with 22.6 percent of the vote.
The VV now has 21.67 percent of the vote.
AAK is fourth with 9.9 percent, while Fehmi Kupina's League of Pristina is fourth with 7.47.
Peci reacts after the "drama" with the Mitrovica results
Faton Peci, VV's candidate for mayor of Mitrovica, has reacted after results are showing that there will be a runoff between him and PDK's Arian Tahiri.
"I love you so much Mitrovica," he wrote.
With more than 96 percent of the votes counted, Tahiri leads with 48.07 percent of the votes and Peci is second with 47.66 percent.
VV's Prebreza is convinced that he will also get PDK's votes
Valon Prebreza, the Vetëvendosje Movement candidate in Fushë-Kosovo, said that his party had expected victory in this municipality since the first round. However, he expressed confidence that they will remove the LDK from power after 25 years in the second round.
"Expectations have been for victory since the first round. But we respect the results. We believe that in the second round we will not have a problem. The difference is over 9 percent. The citizens have decided for change. Let's put an end to a government that has been in power for over 25 years. They have decided not to have any more problems with water and sewage. Change is coming. The Vetëvendosje Movement is bringing it and it is not a surprise because we have been the leading party for several years," he told KTV.
Prebreza is leading with 45 percent after more than 97 percent of the votes have been counted. LDK's Besnik Osmani has over 36 percent.
In third place is Rrahim Tërnava of PDK with 16 percent. Prebreza expressed his belief that PDK's votes will also turn in his favor in the second round, saying that "even those votes were for change."
Countdown to the finale in Lipjan, Ahmeti expected to win without a runoff
Imri Ahmeti of LDK is expected to win another mandate as head of Lipjan.
With 96.2 percent of the votes counted, Ahmeti is leading with 51.3 percent.
Second is Shukri Buja of PDK with 30.36 percent. Third is Ilir Qeriqi of Vetëvendosje with 16.31 percent.
Ramiz Lladrovci on the verge of victory without a runoff
Ramiz Lladrovci is on his way to winning Drenas without a runoff.
With over 80 percent of the votes counted, Lladrovci has 10.822 votes or 51.74% and is expected to lead the municipality for another four years.
Petrit Hajdari of PDK has 7.857 votes or 37.57%.
Counting in Fushë-Kosovo nears its end, Prebreza with Osmani in the runoff
In Fushë-Kosovo, 91.3 percent of votes have been counted, based on CEC data.
Valon Prebreza of the Vetëvendosje Movement is leading with 45.14 percent. Besnik Osmani of the LDK is second with 36.56 percent.
These two will face off in the runoff.
Kastrati: Grateful for 30% of votes, let's wait until all are counted
The candidate for mayor of Kamenica from the PSD, Qëndron Kastrati, said that he is grateful for the 30% of citizens who trusted and voted for him.
However, he says that one must wait until each vote is counted to know if there will be a runoff.
"I am humbly grateful to about 30% of citizens who have trusted us and appreciated us. The current government, unfortunately, has not chosen any means, using threats and blackmail against everyone. I am convinced that such an approach does not suit any policy or any government towards its citizens. However, we must wait until the counting of each vote to know whether there will be a runoff or not," said, among other things, the candidate and former mayor of Kamenica, Qëndron Kastrati.
Kadri Rahimaj of the Vetëvendosje Movement is currently winning in this municipality with 50.63 percent of the vote.
Peci overthrows Tahiri
An extremely close race is underway in Mitrovica. With 93.45% of the votes counted, Faton Peci of VV has overtaken Arian Tahiri of PDK.
Tahiri declared victory after the election process ended.
But according to the results, Peci has 14.718 votes or 47.96%, while Tahiri has 14.662 votes or 47.77%.
The outcome in Mitrovica is constantly changing.
PDK declares victory, but Mitrovica heads to runoff
Even though PDK declared victory, according to preliminary CEC results, Mitrovica is heading towards a runoff.
After 91 percent of votes counted, Arian Tahiri has only 52 votes more than Faton Peci.
In percentage, Tahiri has 47.97% while Peci has 47.80%.
Krasniqi: PDK wins the elections, Tahiri will be the new mayor of Mitrovica
PDK Chairman Memli Krasniqi has said that his party is the winner of these local elections.
Krasniqi said that PDK leads "by the number of municipalities won without a runoff, by the number of votes per party."
He said that when "the last votes in Mitrovica are counted, then Arian Tahiri will be the new mayor of this municipality."
"The big and the small, from the incumbent prime minister to the last in the government, have come wanting to get the votes of Mitrovica residents, but you have shown that votes are not obtained through deceit and arrogance. I invite you to be together with full confidence until the last vote is counted, which I am convinced will elect the new mayor of Mitrovica, Arian Tahiri," said Krasniqi, at the "Minatori" gym.
And the current chairman Bedri Hamza has said that Tahiri is leading, but there are still diaspora votes and conditional ones.
"The PDK as a party has seen extraordinary growth in these elections," said Hamza.
Tahiri said that "his victory is a victory for Mitrovica."
"We will continue to be together in every house and neighborhood... The citizens of Mitrovica are citizens and only the citizens of Mitrovica decide on their fate. There is no force and no individual that can decide our fate. Only we, the people of Mitrovica, decide on our fate," said Tahiri.
When about 90 percent of the votes in Mitrovica have been counted.
Tahiri leads with 47.92 percent, compared to 47.81 percent for Faton Peci of the Vetëvendosje Movement.
Elezaj: Diaspora votes will confirm victory without a runoff
The current mayor of Klina, Zenun Elezaj, has declared victory. Elezaj, who is from the AAK, leads with 49.79 percent of the votes after over 64 percent of the votes were counted. Sokol Bashota of the PDK is second with 35.21 percent.
Elezaj announced his victory in a Facebook post, saying that the votes of the diaspora will confirm his triumph without a runoff.
"The first results clearly show that we are leading convincingly in Klina. This is a great victory of trust and joint work, which will be sealed by the votes of our citizens inside and outside the country. The votes of the diaspora will confirm our victory without a runoff. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every member, activist and citizen who believed in our vision for a more developed, fairer and more united Klina!" - wrote Elezaj.
With over 72 percent of votes counted in Podujevo, Bulliqi is expected to triumph without a runoff.
Over 72 percent of the votes in Podujevo have been counted. According to current results, the incumbent mayor and candidate of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Shpejtim Bulliqi, is leading with 52.89 percent and is expected to win a second term without a runoff.
Ekrem Hyseni of LDK is second with 39.2 percent, while Isak Shabani of PDK is third with 6.41 percent.
Abdixhiku announces LDK victory without runoff in three municipalities: We are the first after 12 years in Pristina
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, has announced his party's victory in three municipalities without a runoff and stated that the LDK has returned as the leading political force in Pristina after 12 years.
In a press conference after the election process ended, Abdixhiku said that the LDK won without a runoff in Istog, Lipjan and Junik, congratulating the candidates on these victories. Close to victory in the first round, the LDK leader said that they are also in Peja with Gazmend Muhaxheri and Dragash with Bexhet Xheladini. He expressed his conviction that with the votes of the diaspora, these two municipalities will end without a runoff.
He emphasized that the party is winning, leading or competing in 12 municipalities, describing October 12 as the day of the 12 municipalities of the LDK.
Abdixhiku congratulated the "main winner" of these elections, Përparim Rama.
"After 12 years, we are the leading party in Pristina. Our return to the capital is a sign of the work of Progress and the return of LDK. After counting over 70 percent of the votes by our commissioners, Rama has 36%, Çeku 32% and Ismaili 26%," he said.
He added that the LDK is on the verge of victory in Viti and Obiliq, while saying that it will compete in the runoff in Fushë Kosovë, Suhareka, Gjilan and Rahovec.
Counting so far: 23 municipalities without a runoff, Serbian Lista restores municipalities with a Serb majority
Photo: Illustration
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Serbian List has returned all municipalities with a Serb majority, winning without a runoff in Leposavic, Novo Brdo, Shtërpcë, Zubin-Potok, Zvecan, Gracanica, Ranillug, Partesh, Kllokot and North Mitrovica, according to the count so far.
Meanwhile, there are 13 other municipalities that, according to the current count, are heading towards the end of the race in the first round.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo is winning without a runoff in Ferizaj, Skenderaj and Hani i Elezit. The Vetevendosje Movement is leading with over 50 percent of the vote in Kamenica, Podujeva and Shtime. The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo is winning in Deçan and Klina. The LDK is winning in Istog and Lipjan.
Ramiz Lladrovci is leading in Drenas, Nisma in Malisheva and KDTP in Mamusha.
Ferizaj without a runoff, PDK one more mandate
Based on the results of the vote count so far, Ferizaj is not expected to have a runoff. The Democratic Party of Kosovo, with its candidate and mayor Agim Aliu, has won more than half of the votes in this municipality.
Currently, over 50% of the votes have been counted, followed by Enver Haliti from the Vetëvendosje Movement with around 20% of the votes.
About 84 percent of votes counted in Peja, Muhaxhiri leads, runoff expected
In Peja, 83.7 percent of the votes have been counted. Gazmend Muhaxheri of the LDK is leading with 46.23 percent of the votes. The current mayor of Peja is expected to face the candidate of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Taulant Kelmendi, in the runoff.
Kelmendi received 28.47 percent. Ali Berisha of AAK received 17.88 percent.
Gjilan heading to runoff
Arber Ismajli & Alban Hyseni
One of the largest centers in Kosovo, Gjilan, is heading towards a runoff after counting over 38 percent of the votes.
VV candidate and current president, Alban Hyseni, is first with 48.96 percent or 8.426 votes.
And in the runoff, the LDK candidate, Arbër Ismajli, is expected to be in the running, with 33.04 percent or 5.686 votes.
Over 56 percent of votes counted, Gjini leads
56.6 percent of votes have been counted in Gjakova. In this municipality, the current candidate, Ardian Gjini, of the AAK, is leading.
He received 48.51 percent of the votes. Ardian Gola of AAK is in second place with 30.1 percent.
With the current result, Gjakova will go to a runoff.
Over 22 percent of votes counted in Pristina, Rama and Çeku heading for runoff
After counting more than 22 percent of the votes in Pristina, Përparim Rama of the Democratic League of Kosovo and Hajrulla Çeku of the Vetëvendosje Movement appear to be heading towards the second round.
Rama is leading with 34 percent of the vote, while Çeku is one percent behind in second place.
Uran Ismaili of the PDK is third with 27.35 percent.
Lladrovci: He dedicated this victory to Thaçi, Veseli and Krasniqi
Ramiz Lladrovci, the candidate for mayor of Drenas from the initiative "For Drenas Champion with Ramiz Lladrovci", while declaring victory in the local elections of October 12, said that he dedicated this victory to the former leaders of the KLA in The Hague.
Lladrovci supporters have already come out to Drenas Square and are celebrating.
Lladrovci thanked all citizens who showed calm, as the election process went without incident.
"I came here to the Martyrs' Square, to the Fehmi and Xhevë Ladrovci Square to dedicate this great victory to President Hashim Thaçi, Mayor Kadri Veseli, Mayor Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi and all our comrades. A special thank you goes to all the citizens of Drenas for the discipline of the 30 days, for the calm, for everything they did to ensure that Drenas went smoothly and without incidents in the elections," he said.
According to the CEC results, Lladrovci is leading in Drenas with 52.96%, while Petrit Hajdari of PDK is behind him with 38.02%.
The current mayor of Drenas, Ramiz Lladrovci, has told his supporters that if they celebrate tonight, they should do so with peace and love.
"Thank you very much and I had invited you that if you celebrate, then do it with peace and love. Because all the citizens who are competing against us are citizens of Drenas. And I am the president of all the citizens of Drenas," said Lladrovci.
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Suhareka and Rahovec in the runoff
The current mayors of Suhareka and Rahovec, Bali Muharremaj and Smajl Latifi respectively
The municipalities of Suhareka and Rahovec, which are led by AAK, are on their way to a runoff.
The race is expected to be with LDK candidates.
In Suhareka, after counting over 24 percent of the votes, Bali Muharremaj, the incumbent mayor and AAK candidate, has 45.51 percent or 7.657 votes. Meanwhile, Ardian Shala of LDK has 32 percent or 5.386 votes.
In Rahovec, after counting almost 20 percent of the votes, AAK candidate and current mayor, Smajl Latifi, is expected to face either LVV candidate, Ali Dula, or LDK candidate, Burim Krasniqi, in the runoff.
Currently, Latifi has 39.69 percent or 6.434 votes, while Dula has 22.68 percent or 3.677 votes, while Krasniqi has 22.57 percent or 3.659 votes.
Latifi declared "undisputed victory" on Facebook.
After 25 years, LDK "does not have the primacy" in Kosovo Polje
Besnik Osmani
The Democratic League of Kosovo, after 25 years of leadership, based on the vote count so far in the local elections, does not appear to be the largest party.
Valon Prebreza of the Vetëvendosje Movement is leading after more than 20 percent of the votes have been counted, with 44.17 percent of the vote.
Besnik Osmani of the LDK is second with 38.08 percent.
Bulliqi announces the victory in Podujevë
The current mayor of Podujeva, Shpejtim Bulliqi, has declared victory without a runoff. Bulliqi from Vetëvendosje said he has won the race. This will be his second term.
He addressed the number of Vetëvendosje activists who had gathered to celebrate.
He said that he would be the leader of all, while asking citizens to disperse and continue the celebration in their homes.
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Drama in Fushë-Kosovo: The difference is less than 10 votes
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Besnik Osmani of the LDK has only 6 more votes than Valon Prebreza of the VV in the race for mayor of Fushë-Kosovo, based on the counting of more than 10 percent of the votes.
So far, Osmani has received 42.52 percent of the votes, while Prebreza has received 42.41 percent.
Osmani has 2399 confirmed votes and Prebreza has 2333.
Third so far is Rrahim Tërnava with 13.2 percent.
Very close race in Shtime
Qemajl Aliu and Përparim Ramusa
With almost 14 percent of the votes counted, there is an extremely close race in Shtime between the VV candidate and current mayor Qemajl Aliu and the PDK candidate, Përparim Ramusa.
So far, Ali has 47.29 percent or 1807 votes.
Ramusa has 45.15 percent or 1726 votes.
State Prosecutor: No person has been detained for criminal offenses against voting rights
The State Prosecutor has announced that until the end of the voting process, only two cases have been found that present elements of the commission of criminal offenses against the right to vote.
One case was initiated in the village of Bare in South Mitrovica, while the suspect was released in a regular procedure. The other case was registered in Kllokot, Gjilan, where the suspect was also released in a regular procedure.
"The first case was initiated in the village of Bare - South Mitrovica, for the criminal offense: "Violation of the secrecy of voting", where the suspect was released in regular procedure by decision of the prosecutor. Meanwhile, the second case was initiated in Kllokot - Gjilan, for the criminal offense: "Violation of the free determination of voters", where the suspect was released in regular procedure by decision of the prosecutor. State prosecutors will continue to supervise the counting of votes at polling stations until they are sent to the municipal counting centers. On this occasion, the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor thanks the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, the media and civil society for the cooperation shown with the State Prosecutor, with the aim of preventing and successfully prosecuting criminal offenses related to these elections", the State Prosecution announced.
Bulliqi invites citizens to celebrate the victory
The current Mayor of Podujeva Municipality, also a candidate for another mandate from LVV, Shpejtim Bulliqi, has invited citizens to celebrate, as he said - the victory celebration.
"Dear citizens, We are waiting for you at the victory celebration, from 21:00 PM at the City Square in front of the Movement Offices. I LOVE YOU PODUJEVË!", wrote Bulliqi.
Currently, based on the vote count by the CEC, Bulliqi is leading.
The first results are published in Drenas
The CEC has published the first results in Drenas.
According to the counting of 1.08% of the votes, incumbent mayor Ramiz Lladrovci has 48.06% or 297 votes.
Meanwhile, Petrit Hajdari of PDK has 33.98% or 210 votes.
Kosovo Police: The election process passed peacefully without major incidents
Photo: Illustration
Kosovo Police announced that two cases were initiated on Sunday for “imposing secrecy of voting”, one in the village of Bare in South Mitrovica and one in Kllokot, while the cases on suspicions of “photographing the vote”, as the Police said with the authorization of the competent prosecutors, have remained as an “official note”. 11 such cases have been reported. The Police said that in general the entire electoral process passed peacefully and without major incidents.
"The Kosovo Police, in close cooperation and coordination with the State Prosecution, has initiated two (2) cases of 'Violation of the secrecy of voting', one in the village of Bare - South Mitrovica and the other in Kllokot - DRP Gjilan, while the cases on suspicions of 'photographing the vote', with the authorization of the competent prosecutors, have remained as 'official note' eleven (11) cases/information. Regarding the cases, the persons escorted to police stations, after being interviewed with the authorization of the competent prosecutors, have been released in a regular procedure", the Kosovo Police announced.
The Police also said that 10 pieces of information of various natures related to the electoral process were processed. However, it was assessed that there were no elements related to criminal offenses.
In the case of the shooting in Komoran, where a car was damaged, two people were arrested, and it was said that it was not related to the electoral process.
"The Kosovo Police, with the authorization of the competent prosecution, is conducting inspections and continuing with intensive investigations into the case, while the persons escorted after the interview have been released. Also, about ten (10) pieces of information of various natures related to the electoral process have been handled, for which in cooperation and coordination with the competent prosecutors it was assessed that there were no elements or evidence related to criminal offenses and were recorded only as information. The Kosovo Police assesses that the police plan has been successfully implemented, thanks to inter-institutional cooperation, thanks to the work and commitments of police officers as well as the high culture shown by the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, therefore it thanks all institutions, citizens and the media for the cooperation shown with the Kosovo Police", the Kosovo Police said.
Lushtaku: A deep victory
The PDK candidate for mayor of Skenderaj, Sami Lushtaku, has announced his victory in this municipality through a Facebook post. He says the results are a deep and convincing victory.
"Dear citizens of Skenderaj, Tonight from 21:00 PM at "Adem Jashari" Square, we celebrate our deep and convincing victory. Thanking you for your great trust, I invite you to this joint celebration!", Lushtaku wrote on Facebook.
Aliu celebrates victory in Ferizaj
The current mayor of Ferizaj, Agim Aliu, is celebrating his victory in this city for another four-year term.
He expressed confidence that he won without a runoff.
A large number of citizens have gathered to celebrate the victory.
Haradinaj: Historic result
The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, has described the results of the local elections as historic.
"I would like to thank you for this historic victory and result. Every competitor, every commissioner, every observer, every person who contributed to this result. Those who completed the race tonight, start working tomorrow. And in a few days, your colleagues who made me proud will also start working," Haradinaj wrote on Facebook.
According to initial data, AAK is retaining the municipalities it has led.
The initiative guards the bastion
The Social Democratic Initiative is on its way to defending its stronghold, Malisheva.
According to the counting of nearly 3 percent of the votes, Ekrem Kastrati of Nisma received 1.140 votes or 67.58 percent.
Following him is Valon Hoti of LVV with 196 votes or 11.62 percent.
Abrashi: The runoff awaits us, now the real battle begins
The Vetëvendosje Movement's candidate for mayor of Prizren, Artan Abrashi, has said that the race for mayor of this municipality will be decided in a runoff.
Abrashi said in a Facebook post that "the citizens of Prizren have spoken clearly and that the majority want change."
"The runoff awaits us! The citizens of Prizren have spoken clearly! The majority want change, they want a new direction. Now the real battle begins. With faith, with heart and with love for our city. Prizren will win!" - Abrashi wrote on Facebook.
According to exit polls, the PDK candidate, Shaqir Totaj and Abrashi, are expected to be in the runoff.
LDK's Ismajli in Gjilan: Results clearly show that there will be a runoff
The candidate for mayor of Gjilan from the LDK, Arbër Ismajli, while thanking the citizens for their support, said that the results clearly show that there will be a runoff.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each of you who exercised your constitutional right and believed in a better future for Gjilan. The results so far clearly show that Gjilan goes to the runoff! This is a big step towards the final victory and towards the change that our city deserves and is desperately seeking," Ismajli wrote on Facebook.
In Gjilan, the runoff is expected to be between LDK and LVV.
Kurti: Now is the time for commissioners and observers to count and preserve the vote
Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that the citizens of Kosovo have today demonstrated democratic culture by spending the day of local elections with dignity and responsibility.
In a Facebook post after the closing of polling stations, Kurti thanked all citizens who supported the party he leads and its candidates in the municipalities.
"Today, with calm and prudence, the citizens of Kosovo once again demonstrated democratic culture by spending the day of local elections with dignity and responsibility. I thank all citizens for their support for the VETËVENDOSJE Movement! and our candidates in the municipalities. This faith is our strength to continue with work and dedication forward," he wrote.
According to Kurti, now is the time for commissioners and observers to count the votes and safeguard them and the expressed will of the citizens.
VV activists start the celebration in Gjilan and Podujeva
In Gjilan and Podujevo, activists of the Vetëvendosje Movement have started the celebration.
In Gjilan, Vetëvendosje activists are convinced that Alban Hyseni has won in the first round and will lead it for another term.
The same in Podujeva for Shpejtim Bulliqin.
First results published in Pristina
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The official results of the local elections in Pristina have begun to be published. With only a few votes counted, LDK's Përparim Rama leads with 34 percent, while VV's Hajrulla Çeku is two percent behind.
Uran Ismaili is third with 29 percent.
Ferati: Our journey continues
The candidate for LDK chairman in Istog, Ilir Ferati, has hinted that he is the winner of these elections.
"Our journey continues, Istog," he wrote.
PDK says it is the winner of the elections
PDK Vice President Vlora Çitaku said that they are the winners of the local elections. In a press conference, she stated that they won most municipalities without a runoff.
He expressed his conviction that Uran Ismaili has succeeded in being in the runoff in Pristina.
"The PDK is the winner of these elections, it has won the most municipalities without a runoff and is in the most municipalities in the runoff. It has received the most party votes, confirming itself as the leading force for assembly members. We are convinced that Uran Ismaili is in the runoff," she said.
Over 39% of citizens voted in today's elections
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi, at the conference held after the closing of polling stations, announced that over 39 percent of eligible voters have exercised this right based on preliminary data from 95 percent of polling stations.
Radoniqi said that the electoral process was conducted in a calm, orderly manner and in accordance with legal requirements.
"Up to this point, no incidents have been identified that could compromise the integrity, reliability or overall progress of the process. During the day, several problems of a technical nature were identified, but they were addressed efficiently through rapid intervention, under the direct coordination of the CEC, enabling the continuation of voting without interruption in the functioning of the voting centers," he said.
Radoniqi further announced that the counting of ballots has begun in many polling stations.
"This is a key step in the conclusion of election day and is taking place according to procedures established by law and the regulations of the Central Election Commission," he said.
Arian Tahiri declares victory in Mitrovica
The candidate for PDK mayor in Mitrovica, Arian Tahiri, has declared victory in the local elections.
"Mitrovica, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Today we won together! Together we will celebrate! I am waiting for you tonight at 22:00 PM, at the 'Minatori' Sports Gym," Tahiri wrote.
And in Mitrovica, the PDK party has begun. And the police have blocked the road leading to the Ibar Bridge.
Krasniqi: Today, citizens and democracy won
The chairman of PDK, Memli Krasniqi
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Memli Krasniqi, said after the end of the election process that today the citizens, democracy and faith in the future have won. He thanked the PDK voters.
"Thank you Kosovo! Today, citizens, democracy and faith in the future won. Thank you for every vote, across the country, with which citizens were determined for the best model of local government - that of the Democratic Party of Kosovo. We continue with dedication and faith towards reconfirming victories in every municipality where we are in the runoff. Kosovo deserves better!", he wrote.
DnV: Peaceful voting, but with irregularities and problems in the voter lists
Illustration
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Democracy in Action has declared that today's voting process in the local elections was calm and democratic, according to its teams of observers who have closely followed the progress of the voting process since the opening of the polling stations.
According to the DnV, the process was accompanied by several irregularities.
"Assisted voting has been a very pronounced phenomenon, where many voters, especially women and young people, have been assisted by their relatives and other persons. In fact, in many cases, assisted voting has not been recorded at all in the Voter Book. The changes of Voting Centers by the CEC for a considerable number of voters have caused serious problems in the field, and a large number of voters have returned without having the opportunity to vote, as their names have not been found in the Voter List. Despite the numerous changes in the voter lists, the situation has worsened as a result of the lack of assistance tables in a significant part of the voting centers," the announcement states.
It was further stated that the presence of promotional materials, posters and business cards within a 100-meter perimeter of Voting Centers was also noted, while in some municipalities there was also organized voting for groups of citizens.
Voting period ends
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The voting period for the local elections held this Sunday ended throughout the territory of Kosovo at 19:00 PM.
According to the CEC, the process went largely smoothly and without major incidents, while during the day only a few minor delays were reported in the opening of polling stations in some areas and the photographing of ballots.
The first preliminary results are expected to be published by the Central Election Commission in the coming hours.
32.68% of citizens voted by 17:00 PM
Photo: Illustration
Photo: Driton Pacharada
As of 17:00 p.m., 661,905 citizens or 32.68 percent have voted, the Central Election Commission announced.
These data, published by the CEC on its official website, were derived from the processing of 94 percent of polling stations.
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi, said during the day that no irregularities were reported at any of the voting centers.
He said that voter turnout was lower compared to the 2021 local elections for the same period.
Chicken: A young man who had just turned 18 photographed his vote out of enthusiasm
The national coordinator for elections, prosecutor Laura Pula, in the special show dedicated to election day on KTV, while saying that the most frequent incidents recorded are the photographing of votes, shared a case, as she called it - interesting, that occurred today.
A young man, who turned 18 two days ago, photographed his vote out of enthusiasm to share with his parents this process he was going through for the first time.
"During the day, we had a very interesting case of photographing votes, just for your information. There was a boy who turned 18 two days ago and was voting for the first time at a polling station and he took a picture out of enthusiasm to show his parents that it was my turn to vote. In these cases, there are no elements of a criminal offense, of violating the secrecy of voting, which is Article 210," Pula declared.
Cakolli: Several municipalities in extremely tight competition, the vast majority go to the runoff
Eugen Cakolli from Democracy in Action said that according to the measurements so far, the vast majority of municipalities will go to the second round of elections. According to him, there are even municipalities in which the order of which candidate can go to the runoff with whom is not yet known.
In a live broadcast on KTV, on the day of the local elections, Cakolli said that the turnout was higher than four years ago. He described it as calm and without incidents that could have undermined the overall process.
The biggest incident, according to him, was the organized voting in the north.
The main irregularities were assessed as abuse of assistance, especially in rural areas and in the morning. According to Cakolli, there were mostly cases where men assisted women. Another negative distinguishing element was, according to him, the presence of candidates' propaganda materials in voting centers or there were even party headquarters near schools where voting took place.
Another irregularity, according to him, was the photographing of the vote.
Threats to the head of a polling station in Shtime, the suspect is being sought
Kosovo Police have announced that they are searching for a person suspected of threatening the head of the polling station at the "Naim Frashëri" school in Shtime.
Suspect BV is being sought for "obstructing the voting process."
"Today, at around 15:40 at the 'Naim Frashëri' school in Shtime, it was reported that a person entered the voting room and is suspected of threatening the head of the polling station. The suspect has been identified as BV. Regional investigators, in cooperation with the state prosecutor, have conducted investigations into the parties involved and by decision of the prosecutor, a case has been initiated for "Obstruction of the voting process" against BV, who is wanted by the police," Kanun Veseli, the spokesperson for the Ferizaj region Police, told KOHĦA.
Palokaj: For the EU, local elections are more important than parliamentary ones, due to the north
KOHË's Brussels correspondent, Augustin Palokaj, said that the European Union views the local elections in Kosovo with exceptional importance.
According to him, these elections for the EU are more important than the parliamentary ones because of northern Kosovo.
In a direct link to "KTV", Palokaj said that for official Brussels it is not important who will win in which municipality, but how the process will proceed.
Palokaj also mentioned the return of northern Serbs to Kosovo institutions as one of the most important issues for the EU regarding these elections.
"The European Union is interested in these elections, not because they care who will win in which municipality, but because they care that the electoral process is peaceful and that citizens can exercise their right to vote freely and without outside interference. They do not want cases where there was interference to be repeated, especially in northern Kosovo. What the EU is interested in is that after the electoral process, new local governments are constituted, and in particular, their interest is in northern Kosovo where they expect, as a positive return according to them, the return of Kosovo Serbs to Kosovo institutions. Usually the European Union is not interested in local elections, but in the case of Kosovo they have extraordinary importance, perhaps even more than the general elections," he said.
18-year-old suspected of photographing vote in Mitrovica, escorted by Police
Photo illustration
Photo: Driton Pacharada
An 18-year-old in Bare, Mitrovica is suspected of photographing his vote during the voting process.
The suspect was taken to the police, announced Fetije Bajrami, prosecutor at the Mitrovica Prosecution Office.
"He is in police custody, let's see now. He took a picture of the vote. He is 18 years old. He is giving a statement," Bajrami told KSP.
During the day, it was reported that at the "League of Prizren" voting center in Carabreg, Deçan, a person is suspected of photographing the vote and the justice authorities were taken with it, while at this same voting center, suspicions of pressure on voters have been raised. These suspicions were raised by the Democratic League of Kosovo candidate for mayor of Deçan, Jeton Mushkolaj.
Pula: Eight incidents reported, no arrests
Eight cases were reported as incidents on election day, but they did not result in elements of a criminal offense, says the national coordinator for elections, prosecutor Laura Pula. She confirms to KosovaPress that no person has been arrested for voter fraud in these local elections, as of noon.
In an interview with KosovaPress, the prosecutor from the State Prosecutor's Office says that there are 100 prosecutors and support staff distributed in all municipalities to protect the free vote of citizens.
"The role of the prosecutor in elections, not only in these but starting from 2013, based on the memorandum of cooperation that we have with all relevant bodies and institutions, is to protect the free vote of citizens. This has shown success over the years in each election. I say success because if we compare it with the elections that have been almost bad elections in the Republic of Kosovo, there is a drastic change in the number of people who have manipulated the vote of citizens. This is thanks to this cooperation and the role of the prosecutor who has now made his work in elections almost routine. In these elections, we have engaged around 100 prosecutors together with support staff distributed in all municipalities of the Republic of Kosovo and the goal is to act efficiently and proactively in preventing perpetrators of criminal offenses or those related to the right to vote, or manipulators and fraudsters in any way," she states.
So far, Pula says that no person has been arrested for a criminal offense related to voter fraud.
"Based on the number of voters and the reporting of cases, we can freely say that we have not had a single person detained so far for a criminal offense related to the right to vote or from the special chapter that includes 11 criminal offenses... If a vote is photographed and exposed and shown to someone for various purposes, be it threats or material benefits, economic status, then this falls within the domain of a criminal offense. Every person who photographs a vote will be detained and it will be verified what they photographed that vote for. It is true that we have had reports of three cases, but they were interviewed and released because it was not proven that there was any specific allegation," Pula added to KosovaPress.
Prosecutor Laura Pula says that up to eight cases have been reported as incidents, but none have been proven to have elements of a criminal offense.
"There were other, initiated, different cases, which did not constitute a criminal offense. I would like to inform you of another treatment of various incidents, that these incidents during election day can be divided into three categories, they are divided into the category of administrative violations, which have nothing to do with the State Prosecutor, they can be misdemeanors, still not related to criminal liability and are handled by the Police, and third, if any element of the criminal offense is fulfilled from the 11 criminal offenses that we have, then the Prosecutor has the right to take adequate actions for which he has the standards of action together with the Kosovo Police and can decide on the spot to detain these persons... There are 7-8 cases that have been reported as incidents, but after receiving information and after their proper verification, it has resulted that we are not dealing with a criminal offense and therefore we cannot say that today we have people arrested for a criminal offense related to the misuse of votes in local elections", she concludes.
During the day, the Acting Chief State Prosecutor, Besim Kelmendi, visited the Operational Room for Monitoring the Electoral Process at the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor, where he was received by the National Coordinator for Elections, Prosecutor Laura Pula.
CEC: 25.21% of voters voted by 15:00 PM
Photo: Driton Pacharada
As of 15:00 PM, 510,525 citizens, or 25.21 percent, have voted.
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi, said that as of 15:00 PM, no irregularities had been reported at any of the voting centers.
He said that voter turnout was lower compared to the 2021 local elections for the same period, where 26.95 percent voted.
This data was derived from the processing of 94 percent of polling stations.
British Ambassador closely monitors elections in the north
The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, announced that he has visited several polling stations in northern Mitrovica and Zvecan - municipalities inhabited by a Serb majority.
"It's great to see people coming out and participating in these very important local elections for Kosovo," the British ambassador said in a video posted on Facebook.
He announced that he will visit other parts of Kosovo today when voting is taking place for local elections in 38 municipalities.
"The British Embassy has teams all over the country and I'm very pleased to see how this is developing across the country and I hope to see lots of people voting and taking part," he said.
EU Ambassador visits polling stations in Pristina and North Mitrovica
EU Ambassador Aivo Orav visited polling stations in Pristina and North Mitrovica.
Through a post on the social network "X", the European Union in Kosovo announced that Orav joined colleagues from the European Union in Kosovo and representatives of Member States and partner countries located throughout Kosovo.
"EU Ambassador Aivo Orav joined #Diplomaticwatch for today's Local Elections together with European Union colleagues in Kosovo and representatives of Member States and partner countries located throughout Kosovo," the announcement said.
Orav said these visits provided valuable insight into the process.
"Visits to polling stations in Pristina and North Mitrovica provided a valuable insight into the process," he said.
CEC: By 13:00, 16.53 percent of voters voted
Photo: Driton Pacharada
As of 13:00, 16.53 percent of eligible citizens have exercised their right to vote.
According to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), out of 2 million 25 thousand 105 people on the Voters' List, 334 thousand 677 citizens have voted by 13:00.
This data was derived from the processing of 95,14 percent of polling stations.
A person is escorted by the Police at the "Naim Frashëri" school in Shtime
A person was escorted by the Police this afternoon at the "Naim Frashëri" school in Shtime.
The KOHË team on the ground has secured footage of the moment this person was escorted by police officers.
Police announced that he was issued a ticket for a misdemeanor.
"After the interview and actions taken by the police, the state prosecutor has determined that there were no elements of a criminal offense. The person in question has been issued a ticket for a misdemeanor, for disturbing public order and peace," said Kanun Veseli, the spokesperson for the Ferizaj region Police.
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Police are handling three cases of vote-taking, no arrests made
Three cases of vote photography are being handled by the Kosovo Police.
Cases have been reported in Pristina, Podujevo and Drenas.
According to the spokesperson for the Pristina Region Police, Flora Ahmeti, no arrests have been made.
"So far in the Pristina region we have received three pieces of information (one in Podujeva, one in Drenas and one in Pristina), where it is suspected that ballots have been photographed. The information is being handled in coordination with the prosecution," she wrote.
Basha: Voting is the most direct way to influence decisions that affect our lives
Parliament Speaker Dimal Basha voted in the local elections on Sunday.
Basha invited all citizens to come out en masse and vote, adding that "the vote is your voice that is heard and the most direct way to influence decisions that affect our daily lives."
"Let this day be a celebration of democracy, with peaceful voting, high participation and a full spirit of citizenship. This is how we prove once again our democratic maturity and sincere love for the country we love," Basha wrote on Facebook.
Berisha votes, invites citizens to exercise their right to vote
AAK candidate for mayor of Pristina, Bekë Berisha, voted for the local elections at the "Meto Bajraktari" school in the capital.
Berisha has called for a good start.
"Honorable citizens of Pristina, I invite you to come out and exercise your right to vote... I wish you all health and success," said Berisha./KP
Kurteshi: Northern Serbs deliberately went to the polls in an organized manner to cause problems
The member of the Vetëvendosje Movement in the CEC, Sami Kurteshi, said that the Serb List held a massive rally in relation to the number of people in the north.
He said that Serbs from northern Mitrovica went to the polling station in an organized manner. According to him, "the corridors and polling centers were deliberately blocked to cause problems and incidents."
At the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) conference, he criticized Serbian media reports regarding the local elections in Kosovo, stating that they "broke the code of conduct with hate speech."
Shahini votes, calls for more women to exercise their right to vote
PSD candidate for mayor of Pristina, Besa Shahini, voted at the "Iliria" primary school.
Shahini has invited all citizens to become part of the voting process, especially women.
"I just voted at Iliria Primary School, I invite all citizens to come out and exercise their right to vote, especially women. We have talked a lot about the fact that in local elections fewer people vote than men, I invite everyone to reverse this statistic today and to participate in the elections in as many numbers as possible...", said Shahini.
The total number of voters inside and outside Kosovo in Pristina is over 224 thousand. There are 54 regular voting centers, with 268 polling stations and one conditional voting center.
CEC: 7.84 percent of voters voted by 11:00
Photo: Driton Pacharada
(Updated text) - As of 11:00, 7.84 percent of eligible citizens have exercised their right to vote.
According to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), out of 2 million 25 thousand 105 people on the Voters' List, 158 thousand 691 citizens have voted by 11:00.
This data was derived from the processing of 94,00 percent of polling stations.
The Chairman of the CEC, Kreshnik Radoniqi, said in a press conference that the turnout so far has been lower than in the previous local elections held in 2021.
Then, according to him, by 11:00, 8,2 percent had voted.
And, the coordinating prosecutor for the elections, Laura Pula, told Koha that no criminal incident had been recorded until 12 noon.
Limaj: Citizens today have the chance to evaluate the work of the candidates
Fatmir Limaj
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The President of the Initiative, Fatmir Limaj, said that citizens today have the chance to improve life in their municipality by going out to vote.
After voting himself, Limaj said he expects candidates who are appreciated for their work to win these local elections.
"All citizens of Kosovo have an extraordinary chance to appreciate the work, the commitment of those who have been there, and to give themselves the opportunity to improve their lives. Municipalities, citizens, will always appreciate the work of each mayor separately and I hope they will vote on the basis of their work. I want tonight that when the winning candidates declare their victories, I hope that in that victory the citizens have also won, and not only them. There are many cases in Kosovo that tonight there are chances for the candidates to win together with the citizens. We expect such results," he said.
Rama wishes the capital city to win
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Democratic League of Kosovo candidate for mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama, has voted.
In a statement to the media after voting, he said that he hopes the capital city wins in these elections.
"I wish that today the capital wins, that the development of our country wins, that a good cooperation from all will win, a unification, a common solution for our future, for the future of our children," Rama emphasized.
Abdixhiku votes: Elections in Kosovo are a great celebration of democracy
The Chairman of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, voted together with his wife.
In a statement to the media, he said that elections in Kosovo have always been and are a great celebration of democracy.
"These are days when decision-making returns to the citizens for the next four years. Let us hope that Kosovo will once again be an example of organizing elections," he said.
Osmani: Internationals should take measures against Serbia's interference in the elections in Kosovo
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said that Serbia has constantly interfered in the electoral processes in Kosovo, when she was asked about the organization of Serbs in the north by the Serbian List to go to the ballot boxes.
Osmani added that international institutions seem to react to such flagrant violations by Serbia.
"As you know, Serbia has repeatedly interfered in the electoral processes in Kosovo. Naturally, we, together with the security institutions, will do our best to guarantee the right to freedom of vote to all citizens of Kosovo, including those in the north. However, I hope that after the European Parliament rapporteur for Kosovo, we will have even more international institutions that will react and take measures for these flagrant violations of international law by Serbia, which also includes direct interference in the elections of another state, in this case Kosovo, including various, even criminal, methods for these interventions," Osmani declared.
"It is an important day for our democracy and the more massive the participation in electoral processes, the stronger our democracy will be. I hope that this will be a process with results to our benefit... It is very important that citizens exercise their right to vote and through it decide on the services they will use and the way their municipalities will be governed," she said.
Krasniqi votes: All citizens should vote en masse in the elections
The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Memli Krasniqi, has voted.
He and his wife exercised their right to vote at the "Hasan Prishtina" school.
Krasniqi has called on citizens to come out to vote en masse.
"Four years is a long time and their verdict should be the one that decides their future, for a better life for them. I believe that today will be a day of celebration for citizens everywhere," he said.
Uran Ismaili votes
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The candidate for mayor of Pristina from the ranks of the PDK, Uran Ismaili, has voted.
He exercised his right to vote along with his wife and son.
"Today is a good day for Pristina in which we all decide on its future for the next four years... I invite all citizens to come out to vote, without distinction, to take advantage of this great opportunity that we have, to give Pristina what it deserves as a capital that needs to be a symbol for all of us," he said.
Kurti Votes: I invite citizens to become stakeholders in solving the problems they face
The acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has exercised his right to vote.
Kurti said that today is a very important day.
"We vote to decide for the next four years in our municipalities. In addition to being citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, we are also residents of the municipality. I invite all citizens to exercise their right, to become stakeholders in solving the problems they have," he said.
Kurti voted at the Faculty of Law in Pristina.
Around 100 prosecutors across Kosovo, Prosecution: Report abuses
Illustration
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Around 100 state prosecutors and support staff are standing watch across Kosovo to ensure the integrity of the election process.
The announcement from the Chief State Prosecutor's Office states that all necessary preparations have been made.
"Around 100 state prosecutors and prosecutorial system officials have been engaged in these elections, who are standing guard throughout the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, until the end of the electoral process, with the aim of processing any irregularities that may occur in this year's local elections," the announcement states.
Prosecutors are staying in their offices in cities where basic prosecutors exist, while in those places where the prosecutor's office does not have a facility, prosecutors will stay in police stations.
Meanwhile, the national coordinator for elections, prosecutor Laura Pula, is overseeing the entire implementation of the duties of the regional coordinators, engaged prosecutors and the prosecutor on duty at the CEC.
The Prosecutor's Office has called on citizens, all political entities, institutions or various organizations, to report to the relevant prosecutor's offices any case in which they suspect that the vote is being misused or manipulated in any way and by anyone.
Hajrulla Çeku votes
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The candidate of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Hajrulla Çeku, has voted.
He exercised his right to vote at the Faculty of Philology at the University of Pristina.
He was accompanied by his wife and two daughters.
"Election Day should be a holiday...", Çeku said after the vote.
Serbian List gathers citizens to vote in an organized manner, Burjani: Illegal
Serbs in northern Kosovo have headed to the ballot boxes in organized groups.
They initially gathered in front of the Serbian List office and then, under the leadership of Zlatan Elek and Igor Simiqi, continued to the voting center.
Analyst Blerim Burjani said that this type of organization is illegal and against democracy. He emphasized on KTV that such an organization of citizens cannot happen and that they "must vote without being subjugated."
"There is no electoral democracy in the north," Burjani said.
Haradinaj votes: Today is the day to make decisions
The chairman of AAK, Ramush Haradinaj, has exercised his right to vote in the municipality of Deçan/Deçan.
Haradinaj invited citizens to vote to make their decision on municipal governments for the coming years..
"I have fulfilled my civic obligation, I exercised my right to vote. I invite all citizens to vote. Municipal Parliaments, Mayors are very important to standard of living, "For all issues, today is the day to make decisions, so vote and decide," said Ramush Haradinaj.
In the municipality of Deçan, 43,759 citizens have the right to vote, of which 41,444 are voters within Kosovo and 2,320 voters from the diaspora.
Voting for the local elections on October 12 in this municipality is organized in 14 polling centers with a total of 50 regular polling stations and 1 conditional polling station.
CEC: Voting has started on time
CEC spokesperson Valmir Elezi said that material was distributed to all polling stations in the early hours of the morning.
He said that the voting process for the local elections began on time in all centers, with the exception of one that, according to him, had a slight delay.
According to him, today the voting process takes place in 948 centers.
Elezi said that in addition to organizing voting in regular locations, voting was also organized through mobile teams.
"The CEC has certified 93 political entities, 32 parties, 2 coalitions, 32 civic initiatives and 27 independent candidates," he said.
He added that today "after counting the ballots, after the completion of the voting process, they will be able to present the preliminary results."
"A lot of work has been done to avoid delays," he said.
Radoniqi expects a more regular vote count
Photo: EO
The Chairman of the CEC, Kreshnik Radoniqi, cast his vote at the Voting Center in Peja.
After the vote, Radoniqi said that the CEC has ensured that there will be no problems like the one that occurred on the evening of February 9.
"We have changes in the process according to the law that came into force in 2023. In these elections, we have improved the platform for which we expect to come out with preliminary results. Also, all municipal counting centers are equipped with all counting equipment. We expect the counting for assembly members to begin tomorrow morning," said Radoniqi.
A school in Prizren is missing an assistant official: Citizens are unable to find their names
Citizens from various cities, from the first minutes of the opening of the voting centers, have headed to the ballot boxes where they will cast their votes to elect the mayor.
KOHA teams from several municipalities in the country have reported that in centers throughout Kosovo there are a considerable number of citizens who are exercising their rights.
The principal of a school in Prizren said that all classes started the voting process on time.
She said that there is a shortage of representatives at the help desk. According to her, they were selected through a competition by the CEC, adding that they have a problem with this because some citizens are not finding their names.
"We hope we will have an official one soon," she said.
How to vote?
Photo: Illustration
The method of voting and election of the Mayor is the same as in previous elections. Each Mayor is elected directly by the voters of the municipality where they are registered. The candidate is elected Mayor if he wins 50% plus 1 vote of the total number of valid votes in that municipality. And, if this is not achieved, then after four weeks a second round is organized between the two candidates who have won the most valid votes. The candidate who wins the majority of votes in the second round is elected Mayor. The method of voting in the Municipal Assembly elections has also remained the same as in the previous local elections. So, on the left side of the ballot paper, only one political entity is voted for and on the right side of the ballot paper, the voter can only vote for one candidate from the list of candidates of that political entity. According to the Law on Local Elections, a vote for a political entity is considered a vote for the first candidate or the bearer of the list of that political entity.
The voter has the right to vote independently for each race. This means that a voter can vote for a candidate for Mayor from one political entity and another political entity in the Municipal Assembly elections. The Mayoral and Municipal Assembly elections are separate processes and have separate ballots. Therefore, the voter is not obliged to vote for the same entity in the Mayoral and Municipal Assembly elections.
Local elections have a different cost than parliamentary elections. In local elections, a second round is foreseen if candidates fail to receive enough votes. We cannot yet know at this stage how many municipalities will require a second round, but the cost in local elections is higher. In this electoral process, the CEC has taken care to send voters abroad the voting package by mail to the addresses where the voters are registered, and that cost is included in the CEC.
Polling stations open
Photo: Driton Pacharada
As of 7 am, polling stations have opened in election centers in Kosovo's municipalities.
According to the Electoral Commission, there are 948 voting centers across the country.
Before they opened, the spokesperson for the Central Election Commission, Valmir Elezi, said that everything would be ready.
Representatives of the CEC Secretariat announced that 3,467 citizens will vote through mobile teams, of which 1,508 voters are at home, 1,956 voters in health clinics, nursing homes, detention centers and correctional centers, and 3 voters who are under house arrest.
Kosovo votes for municipal leaders
Citizens of 38 municipalities will have the opportunity to vote for their mayors and representatives in the Municipal Assembly on Sunday. To this end, 948 polling stations across Kosovo will open their doors at 7 am and close at 19 pm.
Before they opened, the spokesperson for the Central Election Commission, Valmir Elezi, said that everything would be ready.
"These election materials are placed in the Municipal Counting Centers, located in each municipality, and from there, on Sunday morning, they will be distributed to voting centers," said Elezi.
Members of the CEC also discussed the preparations made on Saturday.
Representatives of the CEC Secretariat announced that 3,467 citizens will vote through mobile teams, of which 1,508 voters are at home, 1,956 voters in health clinics, nursing homes, detention centers and correctional centers, and 3 voters who are under house arrest.
CEC member from the PDK ranks, Ilir Gashi, asked for caution with the smooth running of the electoral process, which is being administered by mobile teams.
"In the last elections, we had voting even beyond the scheduled time... I ask that you be in contact with municipal officials so that they create mobile teams in time, teams that will deal with this voting process so that it closes at the scheduled time," he said.
Timely result
In the February 9 elections, the CEC failed to publish the preliminary results on time.
Clarifications regarding the preparations made to avoid a repeat of this situation on October 12 have been requested by CEC member from Vetëvendosje, Sami Kurteshi.
"Do you have any signs, any elements that make you suspicious or that could present problems tomorrow for issuing preliminary results as we had in February 2025? How big is the guarantee?" he asked the acting head of the CEC, Besnik Buzhala.
"We hope that what happened on February 9th does not happen, but the commitment of the staff in these last 3 months has been extremely great, of the professional staff who have been involved in developing the results for the local elections that will be held tomorrow," Buzhala responded.
According to the Law on General Elections, the counting of ballots for mayors and political entities must take place at the polling station, after the voting process is completed.
Spokesperson Elezi announced that the CEC has made preparations to publish the preliminary results of the mayoral candidates and political parties from the Municipal Assembly elections on October 12. Meanwhile, during the voting process, at certain times, it is planned to publish data on voter participation in the elections, for each municipality, polling center and polling station.
Radonić's Appeal
A day before the elections, the chairman of the Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi, sent a message to citizens. He called on all citizens with the right to vote to participate in the electoral process and freely express their democratic will.
"We invite all citizens to exercise their constitutional and democratic right: to vote and elect their representatives. Your participation is of particular importance, so we call on you to become part of this process," Radoniqi declared.
He appealed for responsibility and professionalism from all members of polling station councils.
"We call on you to act responsibly, professionally and impartially, strictly respecting legal procedures and electoral rules, so that the will of citizens is fully guaranteed and protected," he said.
In his message, the CEC chairman underlined that the institution he leads is cooperating closely with the Kosovo Police and the State Prosecution Office to guarantee a peaceful, fair and safe process in all municipalities of the country.
Cameras everywhere
In addition to the CEC, on election day and to guarantee the smooth running of the electoral process, various institutions are also expected to be engaged, such as the Police, the State Prosecutor's Office, the Electoral Panel for Complaints and Submissions, the Judicial Council, and the Independent Media Commission.
CEC spokesperson Valmir Elezi said that one of the direct measures taken to preserve electoral integrity is the installation of recording cameras in every polling station. He said that this has been done in 38 Municipal Counting Centers and the Counting and Results Center.
"The installation of recording cameras is done with the aim of guaranteeing the security of election materials and preserving the electoral integrity of the voting process and counting of ballots," said Elezi.
And, the Police have announced that they have made preparations and plans regarding Sunday's elections.
According to the Police, to guarantee the security and smooth running of the electoral process, a sufficient number of police officers of various profiles, involved in various units, will be engaged.
The police have taken additional measures by appointing police coordinators with the CEC and other involved institutions, as well as by drafting guidelines for police officers regarding legal duties and responsibilities during the electoral process.
"The main purpose of this operational order is to create a calm and safe climate for citizens, maintain public order and security, as well as secure Voting Centers, Municipal Councils, electoral depots and sensitive material," the Police statement said.
This institution has also appealed to the leaders of electoral entities and citizens to notify the competent institutions of any suspicious information regarding the security of the process via line 192, email [email protected] or to the nearest police stations, so that legal measures can be taken immediately.
According to CEC data, there are a total of 2 million 69 thousand 98 citizens with the right to vote for the local elections, of which 43 thousand 933 are registered from the diaspora.