The elections in the north, KFOR: Indicators for Security Risk · Global Voices

Periskopi

29 March 2023, 14:59(3 years ago)

The resignations of four mayors in the country's north that came as a sign of riots against the Targa decision led to the President's decision to declare elections. Osmani set December 18th initially as the date for holding elections, but tensions in the north were followed by their postponement for 23 April. First time, states [...]

The first time, the states of the QUINS encouraged Osman to set the deadline, but this time, despite nonparticipation of the Republika Srpska List, they endorse the process.

However, since the main party of Serbs that has even Belgrade's support will not be listed to vote on, concerns about how the situation will develop are raised.

KFOR says there are currently no indicators showing that security in the north is at stake, (The newspaper Express says.

“KFOR is monitoring the situation. Even though security for the elections is under the responsibility of the Kosovo Police, there are no new indicators at this moment about security risks for the upcoming elections in northern Kosovo”.

However, KFOR vows to be ready for any possible scenario.

“KFOR, according to the UN Security Council Resolution, maintains freedom of movement and a safe environment by maintaining a high level of readiness to face any possible” scenarios.

Serbian analyst Dusan Janjic has raised concern that if the elections in four Serb-run northern municipalities are held on April 23rd without Serb List participation, “is realistic to expect the reconstruction of barricades”.

Meanwhile, the QUINTINS countries have backed local elections in the north to be held on April 23rd. Through a joint statement, days ago the states of the QUINT] express regret that the Serbian List is not participating in this election.

We regret that the Republika Srpska List did not capitalise on the democratic right to participate in these elections. The elections are the foundation of democracy. Making sure that they are maintained in a peaceful and orderly manner is essential. We expect the relevant authorities to act professionally. We call on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence, which undermines elections”, their statement said.

Otherwise, the Republika Srpska List has said its decision not to participate in the extraordinary elections in four municipalities in northern Kosovo is “due to continued institutional violence exercised against the Serb people by the regime of Albin Kurti, robbing Serbs of all rights”.

The northern municipalities are without mayors since the resignation of Serbs in November last year, following the Kosovo Government's decision on the issue of illegal license plates.