Election boycotted in Kosovo

In a statement issued by the Central Election Commission of Kosovo (KQZ), it was stated that as of 7:00 PM local time, 253 people, or 0.54 percent of the 46,556 registered voters in North Mitrovica, Zubin Potok, Leposavić, and Zvečan, had cast their votes.

The KQZ opened a total of 23 polling centers for voters eligible to vote in the region, some of which were located in containers in secure areas.

REASONS FOR THE BOYCOTT...

While the Kosovo Serbs, who constitute the majority in the region, boycotted the election, the streets in the center of North Mitrovica were seen to be empty.

The Serb List, the largest Serbian party in Kosovo, cited as the reason for the boycott that "the Kosovo government added difficult-to-meet conditions to the election rules set for the removal of mayors through elections."

Thus, the election, which required 50 percent plus one of the voters to vote in that direction, resulted in failure. The current ethnic Albanian mayors in the region are expected to remain in office until the end of 2025.

EXTENSIVE SECURITY MEASURES TAKEN

Extensive security measures were taken in the region by the Kosovo Police, NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR), and the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) to ensure the election could be held.

PRESIDENT SHARES STATEMENT

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani made a post on her social media account regarding the completion of the election process, stating that her country had once again demonstrated maturity, exemplary organization, and full respect for its laws by offering all communities the opportunity to elect their representatives without discrimination.

In her post, Osmani stated, "Serbia has once again illegally interfered in the election process of another country. (Serbian President) Vucic has once again failed to keep his promise to international partners."