Pristina, October 10, 2025 – The Ombudsman is closely following the situation created following the CEC’s decisions not to accredit a number of media outlets to cover the electoral process of the Local Elections on October 12, 2025.

Recognizing the importance of free and fair elections, which convey the political will of citizens and guarantee democratic representation, the Ombudsman draws attention to the values ​​of the constitutional order of the Republic of Kosovo, which are based, among others, on the principles of freedom, equality, respect for human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and non-discrimination.

With special emphasis, it brings to mind the importance and key role that the media and media pluralism have in informing public opinion and the transparency of the entire electoral process.

The Ombudsman encourages the parties affected by the CEC’s decision to use the legal remedies available to them, while announcing that it has opened an ex officio investigation into the matter in question. Loudly, it reminds the authorities that without an electoral process that respects democratic standards, there can be no true respect for human rights, just as without respect for guaranteed rights and freedoms, there can be no free, acceptable and credible elections.