OSCE Chairman-in-Office calls for energetic and peaceful election campaign in Kosovo

LISBON, 10 September 2002 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Portuguese Foreign Minister Antonio Martins da Cruz, welcomed the official start today of the 45-day election campaign period for the forthcoming Municipal Elections in Kosovo and called for a peaceful but energetic campaign focussed on local issues.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office stressed that Kosovo's second Municipal Elections on 26 October will be important as the Kosovo communities will be assuming even greater responsibility in forming truly sustainable institutions of self-government at the local level.

"There is great international interest in these elections and in the progress Kosovo's political entities and its electorate are making to meet democratic standards", Minister da Cruz said.

"Strong local government based on democratic elections will be the best foundation for a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo. In this manner, the elected municipal governments and the people will work together and all communities will be able to have elected representation at the local level", he said.

From today, all political entities, as well as their supporters, are bound by a code of conduct. Violations of these responsibilities from now until 26 October will be dealt with severely by the electoral complaints body.

The broadcast media are also obliged to provide free airtime to certified political entities so that voters can make an informed choice when casting their ballot.