EU Spokesman say Kosovo elections not business as usual

Screenshot/ EBS

European Union spokesman Peter Stano said on Monday that the local elections in northern Kosovo cannot be considered business as usual because of the low turnout.

He said that the EU recognizes that the elections were held in line with the legal framework of Kosovo but regrets the fact that all parties and communities failed to take part in them. “The very low turnout, in particular among Kosovo Serb citizens, shows that this process is not and cannot be considered business as usual,” a press release quoted him as saying.

“Participation in electoral processes has the aim to ensure that the voices of the communities the elected leaders represent, will be heard.
These elections do not offer a long-term political solution for these municipalities. This can only happen through permanent return of Kosovo Serbs to the institutions, and for Kosovo to enable this return. The work on the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority Municipalities needs to be finalised as soon as possible,” he added.

Stano said that the Kosovo Serbs need to urgently return to actively participating in local government, policing and the judiciary in northern Kosovo. “There is an urgent need for a serious dialogue between the Government of Kosovo and Kosovo Serbs in the north to this end… we need both sides to play their role and fulfil their commitments,” he said.

The EU welcomes the professionalism of the Kosovo Police, its Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), and KFOR in ensuring a secure environment for the elections.