29 November 2013

The security arrangements for the second round of the mayoral elections throughout Kosovo on Sunday 1st December have been carefully planned, prepared and coordinated by Kosovo Police, EULEX and KFOR.

Particular effort will be made in the north for the second round of the mayoral elections in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North and the partial re-vote in Zvečan/Zveçan, where Kosovo Police, as the first responder, will be present outside the polling centres and other key areas, visibly supported by EULEX, as the second responder. KFOR, the third responder, will also be visible near the polling centers and deploy troops with focus in the north capable to immediately intervene.

As in the previous rounds, the operation in the north is designed to guarantee people's right to vote, and that the voting process takes place in a peaceful and orderly manner. The Kosovo Police, EULEX and KFOR are prepared to intervene immediately if the electoral process is threatened or the safety and security of voters, polling station committee members, the OSCE election facilitators or observers at the polling stations is endangered.

KFOR will maintain also the capability to deploy its units to any part of Kosovo in support of Kosovo Police in order to contribute to a safe and secure environment if needed.

Coordination between Kosovo Police, EULEX, KFOR and the OSCE continues to be excellent.