[news] OSCE Head of Mission: Student elections mark a democraticmilestone for the University of Pristina

[ANTIC.org-SNN]

OSCE Head of Mission: Student elections mark a democratic milestone for the University of Pristina   PRISTINA, 8 December 2005 – Ambassador Werner Wnendt, OSCE Head of Mission, today called the student elections at the University of Pristina a milestone in the democratic election process of the university.   “Following the example of the Kosovo Assembly elections and of international best practice in student elections, elections rules and procedures were developed with the support of an international expert,” said Ambassador Wnendt. “These aim to guarantee transparent and democratic elections and a fair opportunity for every student organization, which obey the rules of registration, regardless of political orientation.”   Last week the University election commission decided to postpone the election as the voters lists of eligible students were insufficient to have a fair process.   The elections are monitored by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and conducted by the election commission chaired by Lars Lagergren, who in his capacity as Director of the OSCE Department of Elections has extensive experience with election procedures in Kosovo.   Ambassador Wnendt also welcomed the end of the student protest and occupation of the University Rectorate. “I am pleased that protest ended peacefully and preparations for student elections can now continue.   The current student protests derived from a conflict about the organization’s name within the Independent Student Union, which had split into two wings. Consequently only one of the two wings could succeed in the registration procedure with the Ministry of Public Services. International experts had warned representatives of competing wings not to risk their licensing but to register for the student elections under different names.   “However dramatic the revoking of the license had been, this can by no means justify the recent occupation of the University Rectorate,” said Ambassador Wnendt.   The UNMIK/OSCE observed the situation very carefully and fully backed up the legitimate Officers in Charge and the University Board. Full support was also offered to any move made by the University’s governing bodies to end the protest with the necessary measures and consequences.   It is expected that the Ministry of Public Services will undertake all necessary measures to administer this registration without delay. In case the application fulfils the requirements of UNMIK Regulation 1999/22, both the Board of the UP and the UP student election commission will most likely admit this organization for participation in the UP student elections.   --------------------------------------------------- Sven Lindholm Mission Spokesperson OSCE Mission in Kosovo Tel: +381 38 500 162 ext.260 Mob: +377 44 500 254