Low interest in observing elections in Podujevo, only eight accredited persons so far

Kosovo's political parties will compete to lead the remaining post without chairman Podujevo after past mayor of this municipality, LDK deputy chairman Agim Veliu, has taken over the post of interior affairs minister in the Kurti government.

Kosovo's Central Election Commission has accredited candidates aimed at leading the Podujevo municipality, but a minimum interest in monitoring elections in this city has been noted, reports news.

CEC spokesman Valmir Elezi for news.net has shown that the Central Election Commission is continuing to prepare for election day in Podujevo.

Elez has indicated that given the planned and specific dates for the CEC's operational plan, this institution will see to it that citizens rightly vote do their duty on March 15th.

The Central Election Commission is continuing with the realisation of all preparation activities to organise these elections, according to planned and dated operational plan. Of course, by election day all legal obligations will be met so that citizens can rightly vote in the Podujevo municipality on 15 March.”, Elezi told news.

But, for elections in Podujevo, no interest has been shown in monitoring the election process.

Elez has indicated that only 8 observers from a media and an embassy have been accredited so far.

Until now, the Central Election Commission has accredited only 8 observers, who represent a media and an embassy. Currently, we are proceeding with several other requests and believe that this week the CEC will have meetings where other observers will accredit”, Elez said.

spokeswoman Elezi for news.net has shown that deadlines for applying political subjects and NGOs to observe the Podujevo elections are March 10th, while for international observers and media until March 12th.

It is also noteworthy that only accredited observers can convey the election process and the counting process at the Counting and Results Centre.

“Aphat for application for accrediting observers of political subjects and NGOs is until March 10th, while the deadline for international observers and media is until 12 March. So, by these dates we're going to cut applications and then the CEC makes their accreditment if they're in line with legislation in effect. Only accredited observers can convey the election process to election locations on Election Day and the next process at thecounting and Results Centre”, Elez told news.net.

Meanwhile, it is worth stressing that the citizens of Podujevo will be able to vote for their favourite candidate on 15 March, while the campaign has been opened.