UNMIK/PR/863
Sunday, 3 November 2002

SRSG Michael Steiner validates 2002 municipal election results

Pristina - Pronouncing them "valid and final", SRSG Michael Steiner officially certified the final results of Kosovo's 2002 Municipal Assembly elections organized by the OSCE. The official election results were presented to SRSG Michael Steiner by Kosovo OSCE Head of Mission Pascal Fieschi. The results had been approved by the Central Election Commission.

"The municipal elections were in compliance with international standards for free and fair elections," said Fieschi.

Following the SRSG's signing of the official results, the final breakdown of seats won by each party in each of Kosovo's 30 municipalities was read aloud.

The October 26 election was Kosovo's second municipal election and third overall election in as many years. 711,205 voters (54% turnout) cast ballots to elect municipal assembly members in 30 municipalities. Elected officials will hold their seats for the next four years.

"In these municipal elections, thanks to the political parties as well as the OSCE, all the communities in Kosovo participated," said SRSG Michael Steiner. "Some participated to a lesser degree, but they did participate."

"I am optimistic about the future of Kosovo. We still have a long way to go in fulfilling the benchmarks, but this election confirms we are making huge steps forward. In the beginning of this year we had no institutions - we have them now."

"This election in particular shows the people of Kosovo want a democratic society - a society with safety for every inhabitant and one where we can get the economy going."

"I call this success. It is success because we have the legitimate structures in place and all communities are represented by their leaders in these institutions. This is progress and each person can feel safe and at home in Kosovo."

Responding to journalists'questions about a recent meeting with political party leaders concerning the concept of decentralization, SRSG Michael Steiner replied, "On Friday I was particularly encouraged. We had a dinner with all the parties in Kosovo, and the spirit in which they embraced the election results and expressed a desire to move forward was very encouraging. We had a consensus with all the leaders on how to do that. It is significant that all the parties were there and a proof of their readiness to work with Kosovo's institutions."

"This is about recognizing the need for modern administration in line with European standards, in line with what Kosovo really needs. Bringing power to the people and bringing people to the power. This is what it is all about."