{"id":20800,"date":"2026-02-15T08:50:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T07:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/podlupom.org\/?p=20800"},"modified":"2026-02-15T08:50:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T07:50:05","slug":"polling-stations-open-on-time-minor-irregularities-noted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/podlupom.org\/en\/press\/news\/polling-stations-open-on-time-minor-irregularities-noted\/","title":{"rendered":"Polling stations open on time, minor irregularities noted"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, 15 February 2026, citizens of Op\u0107ina Vare\u0161<\/span><\/span> are voting for the Mayor in the Early Elections, while the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections \u201cUnder the Lens\u201d is conducting a civic, non-partisan election observation mission to ensure that the elections are carried out in accordance with legal rules and procedures.<\/p>\n

The Coalition \u201cUnder the Lens\u201d has deployed independent election day observers (STOs) to all 20 polling stations in Op\u0107ina Vare\u0161<\/span><\/span>. Election observation at polling stations is conducted continuously, from the preparation and opening of polling stations, through the voting process, to the closing of polling stations, counting of ballots, packing of election materials, and announcement of results. In addition, a mobile team has been established to visit polling stations and respond to any reported serious irregularities requiring additional verification.<\/p>\n

Access of Independent Observers to Polling Stations<\/strong><\/p>\n

All accredited observers of the Coalition \u201cUnder the Lens\u201d were granted timely and unobstructed access to all polling stations in Op\u0107ina Vare\u0161<\/span><\/span> this morning and began their observation without interruption.<\/p>\n

It is particularly commendable that the election administration, especially the members of polling boards in Op\u0107ina Vare\u0161<\/span><\/span>, facilitated uninterrupted access for accredited observers, considering that such practices are not consistently observed in all electoral units. This professional approach, combined with adherence to laws and regulations, represents an important standard and contributes to strengthening the integrity of the elections, the Coalition stated.<\/p>\n

Opening and Preparation of Polling Stations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Observation of the opening and preparation of polling stations represents the first stage of the election day systematically monitored by the Coalition \u201cUnder the Lens.\u201d During this stage, data were collected on the timely opening of polling stations, presence and composition of polling boards, availability and completeness of election materials, and adherence to prescribed procedures in preparing polling stations for voting.<\/p>\n

Opening Times of Polling Stations<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"The majority of polling stations opened on time without significant delays. At exactly 7:00 a.m., 80% of observed polling stations (16 PS) were open, while the remaining 20% (4 PS) opened between 7:01 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.<\/p>\n

The Coalition \u201cUnder the Lens\u201d noted isolated cases of procedural lapses or non-compliance with legal provisions. Key observations during the opening and preparation phase include:<\/p>\n