Radakovic: New elections possible in November or December

Dusan Radakovic, executive director of the NGO Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC), believes that Kosovo is heading toward new elections that could be held in December, or possibly even in November. He also believes that the decision of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague could have a political impact on any new elections, particularly if former Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) leaders are acquitted, which he says would boost the party's support.

Radakovic assessed that the June 7 elections saw a decline in voter turnout compared to the previous elections held in December and February of last year, which, he says, points to growing voter fatigue.

He added that public distrust is increasing, arguing that the lack of concrete political results and plans has further contributed to this sentiment.

"There will definitely be fewer voters because people are exhausted by elections. There is widespread distrust because nothing is happening, there are no concrete plans, only empty rhetoric and ultranationalist narratives regarding the north, without anything substantive. Over the past few days, I have had several meetings both with the international community and with political party representatives. I am very sorry, but I think we are heading toward new elections sometime in December, perhaps even in November," Radakovic said.

He also assessed that caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti is pursuing a policy of waiting for international influence, particularly that of the United States, to weaken, while at the same time leaving difficult political decisions to the next government.

"In addition, among the first things he would have to do if he formed a government would be to establish the Community of Serb Municipalities, or send its statute to the Constitutional Court, adopt a roadmap for EU accession, and swallow many other bitter pills that Self-Determination, or the government as a whole, would have to accept. It is a government without a government, governing as it pleases, ruling through administrative instructions, to the detriment of everyone, including Albanians. I therefore believe that this situation is politically beneficial only to Self-Determination," he stressed.

Radakovic also believes that the decision of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague could have a greater political impact on any future elections, particularly if former PDK leaders are acquitted.

"It depends on who is released, whether it is Kadri Veseli, Hashim Thaci, or all four of them, although I do not believe all four will be released. That will have a much greater impact. I think Vjosa (Osmani) has already reached her current political ceiling. There is now a lot of discussion about what will happen with Osmani and some party branches that disagree with Abdixhiku's decision. Overall, I do not think the political landscape will change significantly. The decision of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague could have a huge impact. If they are released, above all Kadri Veseli, and perhaps Hashim Thaci as well, I think the PDK will certainly gain support, perhaps even by 10 percent," Radakovic concluded.