Kosovo Postpones Elections in Northern Municipalities Due to Security Concerns
Date
4/26/2023 8:39:35 AM
(MENAFN) Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has announced the postponement of elections in the country's northern municipalities due to the risky security situation. The decision comes after Kosovo Serbs withdrew from central and local institutions in Kosovo. The elections were initially scheduled for December 18, 2020, but were postponed due to security concerns during the campaign period. More than 10 parked vehicles belonging to Serbs were set on fire by unknown persons or groups.
Earlier this month, a Serbian official accused Kosovo authorities of inciting Serbs in the country by shooting a member of the local community. The director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, stated that Serbian national Milan Jovanovic was shot with a police firearm on the northern Leposavic-Mitrovica road. The Kosovo police later suspended four officers suspected of involvement, including one who may have fired the shot.
In response to the security concerns, the Kosovo Central Election Commission has decided to reduce the number of polling stations from 44 to 19 for the elections. Thirteen of the centers will be alternative and set up in containers in safe areas. The postponement of the elections underscores the ongoing security concerns in the region and the need for continued efforts to promote stability and safety.
Kosovo, which is primarily populated by ethnic Albanians, declared independence from Serbia in 2008. However, Serbia has not recognized its independence and considers its former province to be part of its territory. The situation has led to ongoing political tensions and occasional outbreaks of violence, particularly in the northern municipalities with a significant Serb population. The postponement of the elections highlights the need for sustained efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
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