Today, February 12, the Institute for Democracy for Development (D4D) held the conference with all the Institutions that signed the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Electoral Process regarding the preparation of the institutions for the well progress of the electoral process. The inclusion of the Independent Media Commission in the Memorandum will enable better coordination so that these elections are even more transparent and more democratic.

“The vote is personal, equal, free and secret” it is stated in the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo when it comes to the right to vote and to participate. This seems like a short definition, but to achieve this we need permanent commitment. During the conference it was emphasized that in order for to fulfill this right, an electoral system is needed through which the secrecy, freedom and equality of the vote are guaranteed. Therefore, the Memorandum of Cooperation is a clear indicator of the common will of all institutions to cooperate in order for all electoral processes to be conducted in accordance with the law but also to react when their integrity and voting rights are violated. It was also emphasized that it is really important the fact that Kosovo as a new state has managed to organize free, democratic elections and in accordance with international standards.

Part of the panel in this conference were the representatives of the Institutions: Central Election Commission (CEC), Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP), Kosovo Police (KP), State Prosecutor (SP), Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) and the Independent Media Commission (IMC).

The D4D Institute considers that inter-institutional cooperation is necessary to serve free and democratic elections, therefore it will continue with dedication the cooperation and coordination with all institutions not only on election day but actively.