Government reacts again after voting failure in North, laments low turnout

The government regrets the low turnout in yesterday's vote.

The government of the Republic of Kosovo laments the low turnout in yesterday's vote and thanks those who exercised their democratic and legal rights. We are aware of the circumstances in the four municipalities in northern Kosovo, especially the great pressure exerted by the Belgrade authorities on Kosovo Serb citizens in these municipalities. The results of yesterday's vote show there is no will to dismiss current heads”, said among other things in the response.

Full statement:

In the northern Mitrovica municipalities, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviqi, the voting process was held yesterday for the removal or not of the mayors of these municipalities, according to the administrative directive, based on Article 72 of the Law for Local Self-Government. The process was completed without incident. For this, we congratulate the Central Election Commission and our security institutions.

Recall that this process was prompted by continued demand for new elections in these municipalities, triggering the lack of full legitimacy of current mayors following the low citizens' appearance in the April 23rd 2023 elections. It started with collecting the signatures of the 20% needed citizens with a fair vote. However, the Serbian List, which was initially responsible for the April 23rd elections through the resignation of its mayors, and then instigating the vote yesterday, again boycotted democratic processes, despite the international community's calls and civic interest.

The government of the Republic of Kosovo regrets the low turnout in yesterday's vote and thanks those who exercised their democratic and legal right. We are aware of the circumstances in the four municipalities in northern Kosovo, especially the great pressure exerted by the Belgrade authorities on Kosovo Serb citizens in these municipalities. The results of yesterday's vote show there is no will to dismiss the current mayors.

In this case, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo once again expresses its support and willingness to co-operate with the mayors of the northern Mitrovica municipalities, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviqi in fulfilling their responsibilities and serving the citizens of these four municipalities indiscriminately.

With the conclusion of this process, without taking into account the outcome, the Republic of Kosovo has fulfilled its obligation to its citizens and the responsibility taken from agreeing with the European Union for the transition of the situation to the country's north. So, after yesterday's vote, it is time for the unfair measures against Kosovo to eventually go away.