Guerot: Elections were exemplary, now parties must ensure institutional stability

As he said, a well-functioning electoral mechanism remains the basis of democracy.

“Initially, I would like to congratulate Kosovo's institutions because elections were organised in a very good way, as well as held in a free and transparent manner. So this is really important. An electoral mechanism that works well is the basis of democracy. So, good luck with you, Kosovo. Now the results or votes are still being counted by the CEC, so of course it won't comment on the results. I think we have the results on participation, and it remains for political parties to draw conclusions about the lowest turnout in this election. What we need as a friend country and a partner of Kosovo are institutions that function well: a Parliament, a president, a Government, so that we can continue to support Kosovo in its development, so that we can continue to work side by side with Kosovo to promote social development and economic development. There is much to be done, there is much support in the financial means to be obtained from the EU, but also from France, but we need institutions in the country. So, I am faithful that this time political parties will reap success in their talks and that they will be able to form the Parliament, vote a president, vote a government”, Guerott told Kosovas.

Speaking of the importance of free and fair elections on the road to Kosovo's European integration, Guerot said he believes in the country's institutions and in the right conclusion of the election process.

I will not comment on the entire process until results are certified. We trust Kosovo institutions, based on the experience of previous elections, that the whole process will be, until the very end, fair and competitive. Of course, this is key for Kosovo on its path towards European integration. The EU is based on values, and values should be, it's not just a commitment, it's also something you should try every now and then that I'm following them. But I am faithful that Kosovo will prove that it is a true democracy”, he said.

Asked about the role France could play in supporting Kosovo's democratic institutions after the elections, the French ambassador told Kosovas that his country is willing to continue supporting in various areas.

We also found that even in previous elections judicial institutions functioned well. We've seen a Constitutional Court function well. So, in terms of democratic development, much has been accomplished with our help, but primarily by Kosovars themselves. Democracy is well-built within the country (self-built) in this country and this is very good and we are happy to see it, to see that the investment we made in the political and military investment we made in this country yielded results. What we are now willing to do and more than willing to do is to support Kosovo's development, economic development. There are more and more French brands present in this country. Recently, a very popular French brand, Decathlon, opened here in Kosovo, and there are others. So this is a good sign”, he said.

Otherwise, the June 7th parliamentary elections were the third held in Kosovo within the last 16 months, an indication of continuing political crisis and the inability of political subjects to ensure long-term institutional stability. The election process was assessed positively by responsible institutions and monitoring organisations. Although citizens' participation was lower compared to previous election cycles, the Central Election Commission and Democracy in Action ( DnV) announced that the elections were held in a calm atmosphere, without serious incidents that would violate the integrity of the process. / Periscope/