Prishtina, 22 April, 2024
In the municipalities of North Mitrovica, Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviq, the voting process was held yesterday for the removal or not of the mayors of these municipalities, according to the administrative instruction, based on Article 72 of the Law on Local Self-Government. The process was completed without incident. For this, we congratulate the Central Election Commission and our security institutions.
We remind you that this process was prompted by the constant demand for new elections in these municipalities, triggering the lack of full legitimacy of the current mayors after the low turnout of citizens in the elections of April 23, 2023. It began with the collection of signatures of 20 necessary % of citizens with the right to vote. However, the Serbian List, which was initially the cause of the April 23 elections through the resignation of its leaders, and then the initiator of yesterday’s vote, again boycotted democratic processes, despite the calls of the international community and civic interest.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo regrets the low turnout in yesterday’s voting and thanks those who exercised their democratic and legal right. We are aware of the circumstances in the four municipalities in the north of Kosovo, especially the great pressure exerted by the Belgrade authorities on the Kosovo Serb citizens in these municipalities. The results of yesterday’s voting show that there is no will to dismiss the current presidents.
On this occasion, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo once again expresses its support and willingness to cooperate with the mayors of the municipalities of North Mitrovica, Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviq in fulfilling their responsibilities and serving the citizens of these four municipalities, without distinction.
With the completion of this process, regardless of the result, the Republic of Kosovo has fulfilled its obligation to its citizens and the responsibility taken from the agreement with the European Union for the de-escalation of the situation in the north of the country. Therefore, after yesterday’s vote, it is time to finally lift the unjust measures towards Kosovo.
Last modified: April 22, 2024