The process of registering voters who live outside the borders of Kosovo is recording high numbers. According to the official data of the Central Election Commission (CEC), within just four days from the start of the application period, more than 36,000 requests were received.
The spokesperson of the CEC, Valmir Elezi, announced that from May 6 until the early hours of today, the electronic platform has registered exactly 36,154 requests.
Postal voting remains the first choice
From the total number of applications received, the CEC has so far processed and approved about 25,000 of them, while the rest remain pending or have been rejected due to not meeting the criteria.
“Out of 25,376 approved applications, the vast majority – over 18 thousand citizens – have chosen to send the ballot package to mailboxes outside Kosovo,” declared Elezi, specifying that only 6,280 people are registered to vote physically in diplomatic missions.
Organization in embassies and consulates
For the first time, the process of physical voting abroad will be extended to 48 diplomatic missions (33 embassies and 15 consulates), with a total of 70 polling stations. The CEC has set a maximum ceiling of 66,450 voters who can vote physically, due to the logistical capacities of diplomatic missions.
According to the new rules, voting in embassies will be organized only in those points where at least 50 voters are registered. If this number is not reached, voters will automatically switch to the postal voting system.
Electoral calendar for exile
For all compatriots living abroad, these are the key dates: May 17, the deadline for online registration; May 25 – June 6, voting period by mail; June 6, the day of physical voting at diplomatic missions (from 07:00 to 19:00, according to local time).
Voting in diplomatic missions will take place one day before the official date of the elections in Kosovo, giving the authorities the opportunity to ensure the transportation of votes and their integration into the final result. The CEC calls on all citizens to use the official platforms for registration as soon as possible, to avoid last-minute delays.
