Prishtinë, 16 May 2014 – The Ombudsperson has invited on a joint discussion parties involved in general election process, with the aim of restoring attention on sensitive issues that this process might go through as well as legal liabilities of involved parties in accomplishment of general preliminary elections foreseen for the 8^th of June this year.

Election process in Kosovo, in all its phases, comprises of a set of serious remarks regarding shortcomings and violation as well as infringement of election rights and participation, guaranteed by the Constitution and international documents on human rights applicable in Kosovo. The fact that Kosovo is entering next elections without accomplishing the restructuring process of electoral system, election process becomes more complex and challenging.  In the given circumstances the Ombudsperson considered as mandatory an inclusive discussion with the responsible parties involved in organizing and running of election process.

Representatives of Central Election Commission, Judiciary and Prosecution bodies, of Kosovo Police, political entities and civic society as well as representatives from OSCE, UNMIK, OHCHR and local press exposed their perspectives on the necessity of a regular election process as well as respect of free expression of political will – citizen’s vote.

The Ombudsperson has explicitly stressed the need for free and democratic elections, provision of equal opportunities to marginalized groups such as people with disorders, people with limited freedom of movement – those in hospitals or deprived of liberty, etc. Refraining from hate speech and individual or group denegation upon any ground has been requested as well on this occasion.

Considering the fact that the parties involved in election process in general have separate powers and legal responsibilities, recommendations have been specified distinctly for each party involved in election process.