Kosovo Police: Numerous reports of external interference in the elections in the last few weeks

The Kosovo Police and the Chief Prosecutor of Kosovo announced today that in the past few weeks they have received numerous reports of external interference in the early parliamentary elections that will be held tomorrow, Sunday, June 7th.

"Over the past few weeks, law enforcement institutions have received and processed numerous information regarding suspicions of external interference and illegal activities aimed at influencing the free will of citizens during the electoral process," the joint statement said.

External interference in elections, they stated, poses a serious threat to democracy, independence and the free will of citizens.

As a result of investigative and operational actions, seven people were arrested on May 19 on suspicion of criminal offenses related to the violation of the free choice of voters and the exercise of political pressure in the municipality of Gračanica.

Also, on June 4, in the same municipality, another person was arrested on suspicion of receiving and giving bribes in connection with voting.

"These actions demonstrate active efforts to interfere in the elections and the determination of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo to protect the integrity of the electoral process and to combat any attempt to unlawfully influence the free will of voters," the statement said.

They added that the relevant institutions continue to process other information, as well as carefully monitor any activity that may threaten the integrity of the early parliamentary elections on June 7.