Security experts' warning: Criminal groups in the north can repeat scenarios

In November 2022, North Mitrovica mayors Leposaviqi, Zubin Potok and Zvecan resigned.

After that, the date of these elections was set December 18th and 25th. However, due to tensions created by Serbian criminal gangs in the north, they were postponed for four months.

The latter, in December of the year we left behind, the bomb completely damaged the Municipal Convention in the north, reports the public broadcaster.

Due to greater security, an idea for the deployment of polling stations has been rumoured that police stations could be there.

Regarding where the vote will take place, CEC spokesman Valmir Elezi says there is no official decision yet.

“During the next meeting, the Central Election Commission will have a clearer picture of polling stations for the development of the election process. In this respect, the assessment will be made in co-operation with security institutions. This is a job, so the assessment of polling stations, is done every time, in any election process, not only this time”, said Valmir Elez, the CEC's spokesman.

Serbian criminal gangs in the north, near the election date, have continued burning cars whose license plates were converted to RKS by citizens in the north. The recogniser of security issues says Serbian extremists will continue with these actions.

This phase would continue. It has to add to the presence in the north and come to its discovery that it will not be tried now, and most importantly, our leadership's discovery that this is the matter of Serb extremists who were conducted by Belgrade.”, Nuredin Ibishi, an expert on security issues, said.

Similarly, Kadri Kastrati has said the state of Kosovo does not make it surrender to some Serb criminals in the north.

“Plani is that elections have to be held and I expect security institutions to fight these elements, because I can't take the test in front of some criminals there and elections have to be held because we can't take the test in front of some criminals there...”, he said.

For the 23 April elections, the CEC has certified 11 candidates for mayors, meanwhile, the Serbian List will not participate in these elections.