2009 Press Releases

Statement from the Ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, and the International Civilian Representative in Support of Free and Fair Elections

September 2, 2009

The installation of closed-circuit television cameras at polling stations is not the norm in Europe or in the United States, and we support the decision of the Central Election Commission not to install cameras for the November 15 municipal elections. 

The use of closed-circuit television cameras poses a significant risk to every citizen's fundamental right to secrecy of the ballot.  As Kosovo prepares for elections on November 15, the protection of this fundamental right should be of paramount concern to all citizens.

There should be no illusion that there is a simple technical solution that will guarantee free and fair elections.  In democratic societies, free and fair elections are a matter for all citizens and depend, in particular, on political engagement and political will.  Kosovo's Central Election Commission deserves the full support of all citizens, Government of Kosovo institutions, Kosovo's political parties, NGOs and the international community as it continues to organize these important polls. 

Furthermore, we pledge that the international community will do its part to support the Central Election Commission to organize free and fair elections, including through the provision of international monitors for the November 15 vote.