22/01/2025 Election observation
Concluding its pre-electoral visit to Pristina, a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) commended the good preparation for the upcoming elections to the Assembly of Kosovo despite growing polarisation and called on all stakeholders to act responsibly and inclusively, for the benefit of the population.
The delegation noted that the electoral campaign which has just started has been conducted in a calm and peaceful manner. The interlocutors expressed confidence in the electoral process and in the CEC's ability to complete the preparations for the elections within the established deadlines. The delegation expects that the electoral process will be in compliance with Council of Europe standards, which would be a sign of maturity of the institutions.
The delegation was informed that the election law adopted in 2023, which was notably based on recommendations from international observers, introduced technical improvements, including the digitalisation of electoral operations, possibility given to out-of-country voters to cast their vote in person abroad, and new modalities for the counting of votes allocated to parties and to candidates. In addition, new regulations aimed at strengthening the monitoring of campaign expenditure were viewed positively by many stakeholders.
However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of regulations for online media, the transparency of media ownership, the appointment procedure for members of the Independent Media Commission, as well as the potential impact of disinformation and the use of generative artificial intelligence during the campaign. The reluctance of some political parties to engage in contradictory debates on television, and the announced boycott of three prominent TV stations by the ruling party, were deemed detrimental to public information, particularly for elderly people. The delegation recalls that media play a vital role in ensuring voters have access to diverse and accurate information, which is essential for making informed decisions.
The delegation acknowledged the pluralistic and dynamic political landscape, with 28 contesting lists representing both majority and non-majority communities, offering voters a broad range of choices. However, several interlocutors raised concerns about the rising populist and nationalist rhetoric, as well as the use of hate speech and divisive language. They warned that such trends could undermine democracy and interethnic cohesion and may also negatively affect women’s participation in elections and politics, despite the gender quota in party lists.
The delegation also acknowledged the valuable contribution of a vibrant civil society in highlighting issues such as the rights of women, persons with disabilities, LGBTI and marginalised groups as well as youth participation in politics.
The delegation welcomed the decision of the main Kosovo Serb political party to participate in these elections, noting that this would contribute to a more inclusive electoral process and enhance representation in the Assembly. The delegation was informed of several complaints following the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) initial decision— later reversed by the Electoral Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) and the Supreme Court — not to certify Srpska Lista, as well as concerns regarding the ethnic representation in local electoral boards in municipalities with non-majority communities. The delegation regretted that it was not possible to meet with representatives from Kosovo Serb parties this time but expressed the hope of discussing these issues during its main mission in February.
Discussions also focused on the situation in the north of Kosovo and recent developments. The delegation was made aware of reports regarding pressure on and intimidation of Kosovo Serb voters, as well as disinformation campaigns from Belgrade-backed media. In light of these concerns, the delegation urges all sides to avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions. It encourages the authorities to pursue their efforts to ensure the presence of personnel from non-majority communities in law enforcement institutions such as the police to help ease ethnic tensions in times of elections.
The delegation called on all parties to remain committed to creating conditions for fair and inclusive elections, despite increasing polarisation and to ensure that these elections contribute to strengthening democratic standards and practices in Kosovo.
The three-member cross-party delegation**, led by Petra Bayr (Austria, SOC), conducted its assessment in Pristina and met the President of Kosovo, the Prime Minister and the President of the Assembly, leaders and representatives of main political groups and the delegation of the Assembly of Kosovo to PACE, the Chairperson and members of the Central Election Commission, the Chief Observer of the EU Election observation mission and members of the international community, as well as representatives of the diplomatic community, civil society and the media.
PACE – which represents parliamentarians from 46 European states – will send a full-fledged PACE delegation of 20 members, accompanied by legal experts from the Venice Commission, to observe the vote on 9 February 2025. PACE will debate its conclusions at the April part-session.
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* Throughout this document, all reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
** Composition of the delegation:
Petra Bayr (Austria, SOC), Head of delegation
Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler (Austria, EPP/CD)
Mehmet Akalin (Türkiye, ALDE)