Newsroom
Political party fined for actions at pre-election rally
PRISTINA 1 November 2000
PRISTINA, 1 November 2000 - The Kosovo Election Complaints and Appeals Sub-Commission (ECAC) issued one judgement for breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct, during its 12th session on 31 October 2000.
During the meeting, the Sub-Commission issued several decisions: three referred to incidents before Election Day, while five stemmed from Election Day. Of the eight cases reviewed, seven were dismissed. The details of each decision follow.
ECAC Case No. ME 2000/169 - Political Rally Disruption in Klinë/Klina
On 26 October 2000 the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) held a rally in Klinë/Klina at which Dr. Rugova was to appear. Groups of persons demonstrating their support for the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) gathered and began chanting slogans and throwing stones towards LDK supporters. A young boy was injured from an explosive device thrown near the stage. After the arrival of Dr. Rugova, the disturbances became more violent, causing people to leave the rally to avoid violence. According to the Code of Conduct, a political party is responsible for the actions of its supporters and that intimidation and violence during the electoral process is prohibited. The ECAC decided to fine PDK Klinë/Klina 5,000 DEM and reserved the right to recommend the removal of a candidate if the fine was not paid.
Electoral Rules 13 and 14 govern complaints regarding polling and counting. All complaints must be filed within 48 hours of the alleged violation. In total the ECAC received about 110 complaints, all of minor significance. The ECAC continues adjudication of these complaints, all of which must be fully disposed of within five days of receipt by the ECAC.
For further information, contact Roland Bless, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel.: (+381-38) 500-162 or satphone: 871-762-009-948, ext. 260 / mobile: (+389-70) 250-576 / e-mail: press@omik.org or website: /kosovo
During the meeting, the Sub-Commission issued several decisions: three referred to incidents before Election Day, while five stemmed from Election Day. Of the eight cases reviewed, seven were dismissed. The details of each decision follow.
ECAC Case No. ME 2000/169 - Political Rally Disruption in Klinë/Klina
On 26 October 2000 the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) held a rally in Klinë/Klina at which Dr. Rugova was to appear. Groups of persons demonstrating their support for the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) gathered and began chanting slogans and throwing stones towards LDK supporters. A young boy was injured from an explosive device thrown near the stage. After the arrival of Dr. Rugova, the disturbances became more violent, causing people to leave the rally to avoid violence. According to the Code of Conduct, a political party is responsible for the actions of its supporters and that intimidation and violence during the electoral process is prohibited. The ECAC decided to fine PDK Klinë/Klina 5,000 DEM and reserved the right to recommend the removal of a candidate if the fine was not paid.
Electoral Rules 13 and 14 govern complaints regarding polling and counting. All complaints must be filed within 48 hours of the alleged violation. In total the ECAC received about 110 complaints, all of minor significance. The ECAC continues adjudication of these complaints, all of which must be fully disposed of within five days of receipt by the ECAC.
For further information, contact Roland Bless, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel.: (+381-38) 500-162 or satphone: 871-762-009-948, ext. 260 / mobile: (+389-70) 250-576 / e-mail: press@omik.org or website: /kosovo