EU's initial report: Government support for VV candidates was seen as indirect vote purchase

The LVV candidates portrayed themselves as a facilitator or even guarantor of funds and projects financed by the central budget. This message has been repeated by the prime minister, ministers and deputies of LV”, said one of the findings of the election observer mission, the news reports.

The report also criticised the Government's approval of the increase in pensions for 100 euros more during the months of November and December.

“also, between two rounds, the government announced a temporary increase in social benefits for November and December 2021.7 As the government introduced these measures as part of the economic recovery package adopted in June 2021, the timing of this decision gave unfair advantage to LVV candidates, contrary to international good practices

EU EOM co-ordinators raised concerns that these measures constituted indirect vote purchases and misuse of state resources from the ruling party”, it was said further.

The report also mentions violations of Prime Minister Kurti's election silence.

“On Election Silence Day, the prime minister visited at least two municipalities (Gjakova and Podujevo) to meet publicly with LV candidates”, said further in the report.

The report also drew criticism for disrespecting anti-Condavit measures, where more than 500 participants were at some gatherings.

“The campaign intensified two weeks before election day with larger meetings. E UOM observed 42 campaign rallies, including several gatherings of over 500 participants and organised in the last days of the campaign.6 These gatherings took place in a festive atmosphere, largely ignoring anti - masses - COVID”, declared in the preliminary report by EU election observers.

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