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OSCE reminds Kosovo's political entities of registration requirements
PRISTINA 8 March 2002
PRISTINA, 8 March 2002 -Representatives of political parties in Kosovo took part in a seminar organized by the OSCE today on party registration and obligations, financial disclosure reporting and certification for the 2002 Municipal Elections. Presentations were made aimed at promoting internal democracy and good governance within political party structures.
UNMiK Regulation 2001/16 details the requirement political entities must meet before they can be considered a legal entity, including being able to participate in future elections. Political entities must submit information concerning party officials and branch offices, statutes and party programmes in line with democratic procedures, and the submission of yearly financial statements.
Many political parties were conditionally registered by UNMiK in August 2000, with the stipulation that corrective action would be made to comply with criteria set in the regulation. In November 2001, political parties were reminded of their obligations to complete registration, which are needed to be in full compliance with provisions of the applicable law. This process needs to be completed by 30 April 2002, and will be taken into account when political entities apply for certification.
Information submitted by political parties is also important for public scrutiny in assessing financial transparency. Last month, the OSCE's report on financial disclosure for the Assembly election noted that such financial statements would have been of great use in the audit process.
Over the past two election cycles, political parties have been given time to adapt their structures to the registration requirements. However, there is now a strong commitment by electoral authorities to ensure compliance with the Regulation's democratic principles.
The OSCE's commitment to institution building in Kosovo includes supporting the continued development of democratic and accountable political party structures and adherence to the rule of law.
UNMiK Regulation 2001/16 details the requirement political entities must meet before they can be considered a legal entity, including being able to participate in future elections. Political entities must submit information concerning party officials and branch offices, statutes and party programmes in line with democratic procedures, and the submission of yearly financial statements.
Many political parties were conditionally registered by UNMiK in August 2000, with the stipulation that corrective action would be made to comply with criteria set in the regulation. In November 2001, political parties were reminded of their obligations to complete registration, which are needed to be in full compliance with provisions of the applicable law. This process needs to be completed by 30 April 2002, and will be taken into account when political entities apply for certification.
Information submitted by political parties is also important for public scrutiny in assessing financial transparency. Last month, the OSCE's report on financial disclosure for the Assembly election noted that such financial statements would have been of great use in the audit process.
Over the past two election cycles, political parties have been given time to adapt their structures to the registration requirements. However, there is now a strong commitment by electoral authorities to ensure compliance with the Regulation's democratic principles.
The OSCE's commitment to institution building in Kosovo includes supporting the continued development of democratic and accountable political party structures and adherence to the rule of law.