KFOR must offer security to Kosovo before and after “critical selection” in the north

The upcoming elections in the Serb-run northern part of Kosovo present an opportunity for NATO Force (KFOR) to implement the existing mandate, defending the integrity of elections through Kosovo Police assistance in providing security, especially in view of the risk of outbreak of violence after recent tensions.

Luke James, human protection and security expert, in a recent analysis of the upcoming election process in Kosovo's four northern municipalities -- northern Mitrovica, Leposaviq, Zvecan and Zubin Potok -- writes that KFOR should be ready to provide security in defence of the democratic election process, guaranteeing three fundamental freedoms of human security.

At the time Kosovo's north approaches critical elections, KFOR must be ready to provide security support to protect the democratic process when required. This proactive stance coincides with the three main freedoms of human security; freedom from fear, freedom from need and freedom to live with dignity in a region surrounded by historic tensions”, he wrote.

Remembering that free elections are the foundation of democracy, he estimated that in the northern part of Kosovo, the election process could be vulnerable to acts of violence. Therefore, the British expert added, KFOR's peacekeeping mission could help ensure a secure environment on Election Day, while also increasing the presence near polling stations.

A continuing display of force by KFOR will isolate violence before and after elections, protecting citizens and officials. The increased presence of KFOR will also prevent long-term tactics aimed at shifting minority groups from electoral boundaries a hybrid form of electoral manipulation through cleansing de factoEthnic”, James wrote.

In this direction, setting the conditions for free and secure elections, KFOR would at the same time support calls from the European Union (BE) and the United States of America (SHBA) to keep elections in the north as soon as possible. Also, according to him, finding stability in the north is a key “step” on Kosovo's road towards European integration.

“From View NATO, there are moral, strategic and economic motives to promote stable democracy in the Kosovo region prone to conflicts. NATO could prevent domestic, regional and geopolitical violators, from Kosovo's interests and continue to build long-term stability in Kosovo. NATO”

One of the EU's conditions for removing restrictive measures imposed in June 2023 due to the escalation of the situation in the northern part of the country is the announcement of extraordinary elections and organisation in all four Serb municipalities in the north, while local Serbs are required to participate without provisions. /Albanian Post