38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
Kosovo
Law on General Elections, Article 34, paragraph 1.6; and Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosova, Article 212.
LGE (34.1.6):
1. During the campaigning period, a political entity, its supporters or candidates shall be prohibited from doing any of the following:
1.6. promising any financial reward for the purpose of gaining support of voters;
CCRK (212):
Whoever promises, offers, gives any undue benefit or gift to any person, with the intent to influence that person to vote, not to vote, vote in favor or against a specific person or proposal, or to cast a void vote, in any election or referendum shall be punished by imprisonment of one (1) to five (5) years.
Vote-buying is strictly prohibited for political entities and their supporters, as outlined in both the electoral legislation and the criminal code. Engaging in the buying and selling of votes is considered a criminal offense, which can result in imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years.
