David Phillips: Democracy seeks compromise, not only victory in elections

American foreign policy professor and expert David Phillips in a proposal for Front Online stresses that democracy is measured not only by the voting process, but also by the ability of political leaders to compromise, co-operation and formation of stable institutions in the interest of citizens.

According to him, the real test for Kosovo will start just after the elections, when political subjects must testify to maturity and state responsibility.

“Democracy concerns mutual accommodation. Voters may seek victory in the ballot boxes, but when it comes to forming government, political parties should put narrow interests aside in the service of general good”, he has declared.

According to American Professor David Phillips, the formation of stable institutions will be the main challenge after the June 7th elections.

He has said compromise and political sacrifice are necessary elements for the democratic functioning of the state.

“This requires political maturity and sacrifice”, Phillips has indicated, stressing that state interests must be above party interests.

Phillips has declared that international partners and donors are carefully following political development in Kosovo before and after the elections.

“Donators and security partners want Kosovo political elites to show wisdom to take steps in advancing society”, he has said.

The professor estimates that the main challenge for Kosovo will be not only holding elections, but next period.

The key “Test for Kosovo will come after elections”, he has declared, alluding to the process of forming government and establishing functional institutions.