3 minutes agoEU calls for free elections in Kosovo: Avoid interventions and manipulations before June 7th
Periskopi(a month ago)
(a month ago)On the eve of the June 7th elections, the European Union Office in Kosovo has called on all political parties to ensure peaceful and comprehensive elections.
The EU's reaction comes after concerns about Serbia's intervention in the election process in Kosovo, including the arrest of several Serbian citizens under suspicion of violating the free will of voters, as well as of Belgrade's official call for local Serbs to vote for the Serbian List, which Serbian authorities have named the only one to guarantee “survival in Kosovo”.
In a response to RTV21, the EU in Kosovo stressed that all citizens should be able to exercise their right to vote, free from any interference or manipulation.
Similarly, the EU has called on Kosovo institutions to ensure the participation of all citizens and to avoid any action that could harm the favourable environment for elections.
Before the June 7th general elections, we call on all political actors to promote and ensure the development of peaceful and comprehensive elections in Kosovo. All citizens should be able to exercise their right to vote, free from interference and manipulation.
At the same time, we call on Kosovo's relevant institutions to ensure the participation of all citizens and avoid any action that harms a favourable environment for the elections.
We are closely attending hearings related to the arrest and detention of seven Kosovo Serbs for alleged voter intimidation.
The EU Mission for Rule of Law (EULEX) in Kosovo is examining the issue on the ground.
We rely on Kosovo authorities to respect and ensure a fair legal process throughout all procedures, in line with Kosovo laws and international standards. This includes ensuring that any ban is necessary and proportional”, the EU Office's response in Kosovo said.
Days ago, seven Serbs were arrested in Gracanica under suspicion of violating the free will of voters. Later, a number of citizens protested in front of the police station in support of those arrested.
The detainees are allegedly directors of educational and health institutions who, according to reports, have made a decision to fire several Serbian employees, only because they have not supported the Serbian List in the June 7th elections. These concerns have also been raised earlier by the acting minister for communities and Kthim, Nenad Rassic, also head of the Party for Freedom, Justice and Survival. / Periscope/
