Miftarian: polarising language undermines election process, integrity of political parties

Ehat Miftaraj, from the Kosovo Institute for Justice (IKD), has expressed concern over the use of polarising language by political parties, which, according to him, has a harmful effect on citizens and the election process.

Miftaraj has stressed that parties should focus on elaborising programmes for the next four years and avoid attacks, insults and links that only exacerbate the situation.

Unfortunately, we have a very polarizing language where not only individuals are spared, political parties but it has unfortunately affected the citizens of Kosovo, instead of the political parties focusing on their own agendas for the next four years, unfortunately more are dealing with ethical and lynching attacks, insults which do not contribute to a fair free electoral process and in order for citizens to be informed of what they expect in the next four years, said Miftar.

Miftaraj has mentioned that PZAP is imposing fines for breaking the rules, but some such behaviour is being repeated by parties.

“PZAP is trying to within the framework of competencies, responsibilities granted the law on elections to pronounce fines in any case where they believe and are convinced they have committed violations by political parties. On the other hand, we are seeing some behaviors being fined and repeated by political parties. This testifies primarily to the integrity of those candidates, but also to the political party itself, because they would have to maintain training, educate either candidates or other representatives to avoid such behaviors, which in addition to affecting the party budget would affect the polarisation of citizens. We saw it in Skenderaj as a result of this language of Vetevendosje, we had citizens who, in the worst way, began protesting or preventing the VV rally in Skenderaj”, he stressed online Economics.

He has appealed for a more responsible language, saying that any subject who feels offended should file a complaint in PZAP to make fair decisions.

“We would have to raise questions about the language that is being used in the first place, except that it is accusing other party leaders, it is dealing with acronyms that violate the dignity, integrity of other parties, using terms that no longer require a democracy, which aspires to have the Republic of Kosovo. Any subject that estimates that through such language may be subject to insult, lynching should initiate case in PZAP, and the decision is pronounced”, Miftaraj told Online Economy.