The mission is led by Chief Observer Lukas Mand, a Member of the European Parliament from Austria, and will comprise around 70 observers from different EU Member States as well as Norway and Switzerland.

A Core Team of 10 election experts has been based in Pristina since 5 September; 22 long-term observers will be deployed across Kosovo on 16 September to cover different Kosovo municipalities. The mission will be reinforced with short-term observers during election day.

The EU EOM will remain in Kosovo until the completion of the electoral process, including for the possible second round of mayoral elections on 14 November.

In accordance with the EU election observation methodology, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Pristina shortly after the elections.

The final report, which will include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders approximately two to three months after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.

The Mission will assess all aspects and stages of the electoral process including:

• the legal framework and its implementation
• the performance of the election administration
• the role of state institutions
• voter registration
• campaign activities and campaign finance
• the overall environment of the elections, including respect for fundamental freedoms, civil and political rights
• the participation of women and vulnerable groups
• the role of the media, including online information sources and social media
• the role of civil society
• the voting, counting and tabulation
• the complaints and appeals process
• the announcement of the results

The EU has an established methodology for observing elections. Observers do not interfere in the electoral process and have no authority to change or correct any shortcomings. All EU election observers are bound by a strict code of conduct and ethical guidelines that guarantee their neutrality and impartiality.

The EU EOM operates in accordance with the ‘Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation’ adopted at the United Nations in 2005 by a number of international bodies involved in election observation.

The EOM is independent in its findings from the EU Office in Kosovo, EU member states, and all EU institutions.