Pavkovic: Self-Determination could lose some diaspora votes over Hague judgment

Milos Pavkovic, Strategy Director at the Belgrade-based European Policy Centre, believes it is quite possible that the judgment against the former KLA leaders could deter some members of the diaspora from voting for Self-Determination if new elections are held.

Speaking to Kosovo Online, Pavkovic stressed that the diaspora had always been a major stronghold of support for Albin Kurti, but that it was difficult to assess how much support Self-Determination could lose as a result of the judgment.

“It is difficult to assess precisely because we do not have any research that would confirm or substantiate this; it is more a matter of speculation. Potentially, yes—the judgment could deter diaspora voters because there is considerable dissatisfaction with the decision of the Specialist Chambers. It therefore definitely could, and has the potential to, harm Kurti in terms of declining support among the diaspora, but also at home. Essentially, however, this remains theoretical because we do not have clear evidence,” Pavkovic said.

He added that the opposition in Kosovo would certainly seek to capitalize on the Specialist Chambers’ judgment in its own election campaigning.

“The opposition will certainly try to use the judgment in its campaign and attract traditional Kurti voters, both in Kosovo and among the diaspora, to its side,” Pavkovic concluded.