Basic Provisions

3.1 The conduct and administration of municipal elections in Kosovo and the legislation pertaining to elections shall be guided by the following principles:

Municipal elections shall be held on the basis of free, universal, equal, direct and secret vote pursuant to this law and CEC rules.

Eligible voters are equal in the exercise of the right to vote and have the right to cast an equal number of votes in the same elections.

Every citizen of Kosovo has the right to vote and be elected without any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, language, gender, religious belief or political convictions, education, social affiliation or any other similar criteria pursuant to the provisions of this Law.

Election administration bodies shall undertake voter education activities designed to increase voter awareness on the voting procedures and procedures for protecting electoral rights. For this purpose, elections administration bodies shall make available education material in the languages of communities in those geographical areas where such communities are located and through the media operating in minority languages.

Freedom and privacy in casting the vote is guaranteed. No person has the right to prevent a citizen from voting, force one to vote in a certain way, hold anyone accountable for the vote, or request that anyone reveal his/her vote or state the reasons for failure to vote against his/her will.

All political entities are free to campaign and make electoral propaganda in the mass media, by holding political events, and by publishing and disseminating campaign materials in any lawful manner pursuant to the applicable legislation and rules.

Political entities shall be entitled to equality of opportunity of radio and television air-time, public funds and other forms of support.

The use of public office, resources, or staff of any institution at a central or local level for the purpose of supporting a political entity in an election is strictly prohibited. Political entities shall not take advantage of civil servants using the post, resources, or staff to campaign during elections.

All political entities and elections bodies are obliged to respect the gender quota requirements as set forth by this law. All political entities, their supporters, and all other institutions are obliged to respect the fundamental principles set forth in this article and take all measures to ensure the conduct of free, fair and wellinformed elections within a climate of democratic tolerance, peace and respect for the rule of law. 

3.2 Mayors and members of a Municipal Assembly may not be members of any other elected body.

3.3 All political entities are free to hold a campaign in accordance with the applicable rules and legislation, including Chapter VIII of the Law on General Elections.

3.4 A person who holds a public office, elected or appointed, may not use such office or any of its resources for the purpose of obtaining votes. No resource of any institution of the public administration at a central or local level or any enterprise owned or controlled by central or local authorities can be used or applied in support of a political entity in an election.

3.5 No political entity shall, during the course of an electoral campaign period, encourage or take advantage of a public employee using his or her public position to campaign for a political entity.