Cakolli: Problems with ballot secrecy more pronounced in Serb-majority areas

Eugen Cakolli from Democracy in Action (DnV), a network of nongovernmental organizations monitoring the elections, warned that improper placement of voting booths and cameras means that ballot secrecy is not always guaranteed, a problem particularly pronounced in municipalities with a Serb majority, KosovaPress reports.

“It was reported that the main reason for delays in opening polling stations on time was related to a lack of commission members. The layout of polling stations was carried out in accordance with the rules set by the CEC. With the exception of two percent of polling stations, there was inadequate placement of voting booths or cameras. It is worth noting that improper placement, in positions where ballot secrecy is not guaranteed, is more pronounced in Serb-majority municipalities,” he said at a press conference.

He further added that participation in elections, as a universal right, must be guaranteed to all citizens without distinction.

“Our observers reported that 16 percent of polling stations across the country lack physical infrastructure or ramps for voters to access schools, not to mention the fact that a significant number of schools nationwide do not have ramps or elevators to reach the second floor where the voting process takes place. Although electoral rules prohibit the placement of posters and other campaign materials within a radius of 100 meters, our observers reported that approximately three percent of polling stations still had materials of certain entities or candidates after 7 a.m.,” he added.

Cakolli also said that 18 percent of polling stations lack auxiliary tables.

“Eighteen percent of polling stations do not have auxiliary tables or relevant staff, a problem most pronounced in the regions of Urosevac, Gjilane, and Pec. No serious incidents affecting the integrity of the electoral process were reported, with the exception of two isolated cases of power outages, which delayed the opening of polling stations,” Cakolli concluded.