NGO: Current circumstances do not allow free and democratic elections in the north of Kosovo

At a meeting of non-governmental organizations "Democracy in Action" that belong to different ethnic communities and monitor and follow the conduct of elections, it was concluded that in the current circumstances there were no basic conditions for free and democratic elections in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo, scheduled for April 23.

"Democracy in Action" continuously followed the events related to the elections in four northern municipalities, scheduled for April 23. Despite the multiple postponements of the Election Day and the deadlines for the registration of political subjects and their candidates, political subjects, especially those from the Serbian community, had not expressed their will to be part of the election race, this organization stated on Facebook.

Even in North Mitrovica and Zubin Potok, where the Serbian community makes up over 90 percent of the population, not a single candidate from the Serbian community was registered.

Democracy in Action assesses that this situation can undermine the legitimacy of the institutions that will be formed in such elections because it does not guarantee a fair representation of the Serbian community.

"Due to the resignations of elected officials of the Serbian community in election management bodies and lack of interest in reporting, the Central Electoral Commission is facing challenges in developing the necessary preparations for organizing and administering a regular and genuine election process. In general, the security situation in the four northern municipalities remains fragile. Resignations of Serbian police officers in those municipalities represent a big handicap in guaranteeing security, especially during the election process".

Democracy in Action reminds that creating a safe environment is an essential prerequisite for guaranteeing free and fair elections.

On the other hand, as a consequence of these facts, it can be expected that the citizens of the Serbian community will not be interested in participating in the elections. It is expected that this will be manifested by a very low turnout in the elections, which will undermine the legitimacy of the new institutions that emerged from the April 23 elections.