Ombudsman sues CEC for gender discrimination on MP lists

The lawyer says the CEC, under its mandate, has certified lists with the names of candidates for MPs proposed by political subjects for the Parliamentary Elections for the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo 2019, but has not taken into account constitutional and legal guarantees concerning gender equality, specifically equal treatment of women in electoral rights and participation.

“S here, in fulfillment of its mandate, the ombudsman, as the institution of equality under the Law for Gender Equality and as a institution with the competency defined even with the Law for Protection from Discrimination, has been addressed to GTHP with indictment against The CEC, asking the court to decide that the CEC's behaviour has violated the right to equal treatment of women in election rights and participation. To stop the enterprise of activities that violate or violate the right to equal treatment, or to carry out activities that eliminate discrimination or its consequences in connection with the inequitable treatment of women in electoral rights and participation. To publish in the media a decision proving violation of the right to equal treatment. Moreover, the ombudsman has attached the indictment in question for temporary measures to the electoral council, on the basis of arguments presenting indictments in question, and asks the Court to approve this measure, with what case the CEC, as an unknown party, would have to review political parties' lists so that they can comply with the following provisions. 05L-020 for Gender Equality, Article 6 [special measures], paragraph 8:“Equal gender representation in all legislative, executive and judicial organs and other public institutions is achieved when a minimum representation of 50 per cent (50%) for each gender, including their leading and decision-making organs.” Article 14 [political parties]:“Political parties with their actions are obliged to implement measures to promote equal participation of male and female bodies and party bodies in accordance with provisions of Article 6 of this law.”, the communiqué says.