OSCE Mission in Kosovo reports orderly completion of voting

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 6 May 2012 – All OSCE-run polling stations in Kosovo closed today after the orderly completion of voting, according to the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Werner Almhofer. The reported provisional turnout was 32.17 per cent.

“I am pleased to report that today we were able to provide people with an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in a calm environment,” said Almhofer. “Despite a few minor technical issues, the day’s voting passed in an orderly manner.”

Several polling stations were late in opening but all issues were resolved and all 90 polling stations were open by 08:15 hrs.

No security incidents were reported and voting was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

Some potential voters reported problems finding their names on the voter lists, which were provided to the OSCE by the Serbian Election Commission.

High turnout at certain polling stations led to late closing in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica and Gjilan/Gnjilane regions.

The balloting materials are in the process of being transported by the OSCE to Vranje and Raška for counting by the Serbian Election Commission.

“Given the extreme time constraints for conducting this operation – just over five days – I am satisfied that we have done the best possible. I want to compliment staff from the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and OSCE missions and offices from Tirana to Vienna for their hard work and support. Our appreciation also goes to the security providers, the Kosovo police, EULEX and KFOR,” added Almhofer.