Last Sunday extraordinary legislative elections took place in Kosovo. The elections had been well managed, transparent and competitive with a vibrant campaign in most of the country, except in the Kosovo Serb areas. The results clearly show the wish for change among the Kosovars.

 

 

“I congratulate Kosovars for the successful conduct of the elections. The contest that we witnessed is another significant step in Kosovo’s process of consolidating and strengthening its democracy. The result makes it clear; that Kosovars want a change of their leaders, as the winners of the elections were the two parties of the opposition. 

 

“The S&D Group looks forward to the formation of a new government, which should this time complete its mandate and be able to resume work on reforms in support of economic and social development, strengthen the rule of law and carry out the fundamental reforms that are needed, including those related to EU accession. We expect all political actors, especially those forming the new government, to remain committed to these processes, which are key to Kosovo's future.

 

“It is also important to address the recommendations on electoral reform that the EU Election Observation Mission will be making, which includes past recommendations that have still not been implemented. Also, all the irregularities identified should be addressed by the authorities.

 

“Finally, I am also looking forward to the resumption of the EU-facilitated Dialogue with Belgrade under the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy and Security Policy/Vice-President-designate Josep Borrell, who yesterday in his hearing also committed to paying his first official visit to Kosovo.”

 

 

The S&D Group had two members as part of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) deployed by the European Union: Ms Julie Ward from UK and Ms Evin Incir from Sweden.