October 2002 municipal election in Kosovo

Background: After the first successful municipal election in October 2000 for two years term, Kosovo voters went to the polling station on 26 October 2002 to elect their municipal assembly representatives for a four-year term. The Constitution Framework necessitates democratisation of Kosovo and handing over UNMIK's administrative responsibilities to the local bodies. Needless to mention that the framework also paved way for establishment of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) through November 2001 general election.
OSCE Mandate: As an UNMIK pillar, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo (Pillar-III) has been mandated to implement the electoral process and establishing democratic institutions in Kosovo. As an overall custodian of the process, OSCE set up an Election Commission with the specific role to carryout the electoral procedures. Voter registration, submission and scrutiny of nomination, setting up date, development and modification of related legislation, campaign norms and regulations, allocation of symbols, assigning observers and conducting the election were notable tasks accomplished by OSCE. The organization also provided bulk of the financial requirement for this election.

Election Campaign: A 43 days election campaign begun on 13 September, which ended on 25 October. During the campaign period, series of political rallies and meetings took place by different participating parties and groups throughout Kosovo. Colourful posters, often with slogans were posted everywhere. SRSG and other UNMIK officials involved in the process emphasise on the participation of all ethnic groups though K. Serbs expressed reluctant and often critical about the voter friendly condition that prevails in Kosovo. K. Serbs were confined to their five constituencies predominantly populated by K. Serbs. Despite all these differences, there has not been any major cases of campaign related violence reported in the media.

Media Coverage: Local and regional newspapers, radio and TV gave wider coverage of the election events though three main political parties dominate the news and draw more public attention compared to the smaller parties. Since the beginning of the election process, K. Serbs voters were undecided whether to take part or not, accordingly various opinion and political statements were published in the local media. For the first time in Kosovo, each contending were compelled to submit their personal income and asset statements, which were made available for public. Media played an active role in disseminating such information across the regions, a positive step forward in the development of transparent electoral process.

Participation: According to the OSCE report, 68 political parties/groups take part in the election. Approximately 1.3 million Kosovans were eligible for voting of which 1.2 million resides within Kosovo, while 120,000 Kosovo IDP voters are displaced in Serbia and Montenegro in addition to the voters living abroad. OSCE provided the registration services and organized their voting. The preliminary result shows that voter turnout inside Kosovo was 58% while it was only 14% in Serbia and Montenegro. The lower percentage of voters turnout in FRY brought down the overall average to 54%. The highest turnout in Peja/Pec and Prishtine/Pristina recorded 60% vote casting. In favour of minority participation in the democratic process through election, senior officials including SRSG and OSCE Ambassador visited enclaves and pockets where minority community especially K. Serbs are living.

International Observers: A total of 900 international observers (750 in Kosovo and 150 in FRY) oversee and monitor the election. Another 12,000 national observers from different political parties, ethnic groups and NGO representatives also participate in the observation task. The preliminary report indicated that the election has been conducted in a peaceful manner with the European standard and no incidences of violence or intimidation were recorded.

Results: The unofficial preliminary result indicated that LDK (Democratic League of Kosova) got the majority of votes with 920 deputy seats in 30 municipalities in Kosovo. LDK won in 12 municipalities, Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK) got majority seats in 7 municipalities and Alliance for Future of Kosova (AAK) place third in ranking with majority seats in one municipality. The same ethnic group in the northern Kosovo won the four K. Serb majority municipalities. Based on last local election results PDK, AAK marked an increase percentage of votes while LDK lost the aggregate votes though still leading. According to the preliminary results, none of the parties will be able to form the municipal assembly without having a coalition with other political entities. Publication of the official election results is expected on October 31st, 2002.

The preliminary evaluation of the Council of Europe mission for election monitoring indicated that the election was successful and in accordance with the set standards of Council of Europe and international democracy. The electoral process was all along smooth with the exception of minor, isolated irregularities in polling stations for instance, dispute over the opening and closing time. The European Observers mission made a remark that presence of flags and national symbols in and around polling stations are clear sign of the nationalistic expression and identity which may translate as intimidation by the minority groups.