The December 28 parliamentary elections were held in a "calm and professional" manner, but with serious structural problems, states a report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; this report was also submitted to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti.
Report of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe raises in particular strong concerns about the politicization of the election administration, especially the Central Election Commission (CEC).
According to the report, the party composition of the CEC is creating a risk of political influence in decision-making, even when there are no formal legal violations.
“When certification decisions in politically sensitive cases are made by bodies composed of party nominees, there is an increased risk,” the report states.
This risk, according to observers, undermines both legal certainty and public trust in the electoral process.
It pays attention to the numerous disputes over the certification of the Serbian List and the annulments of decisions by higher judicial instances.
The report states that “there were attempts to politicize the work of the CEC.”
In this context, the Assembly makes a clear call for structural reforms.
"The complete depoliticization of the CEC must be ensured, so that electoral bodies not only act impartially, but are also perceived as such," the recommendation states.
Meanwhile, as the report goes on to say, the elections were characterized by political competition and relatively stable participation, despite the institutional crisis that preceded them.
However, “manipulation of preferential votes” and problems with voter lists weakened confidence in the process.
“The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission are prepared to work with the Kosovo authorities to improve the electoral framework and strengthen the capacities of the electoral administration, in particular by addressing the issues outlined in this report,” the report says.https://www.youtube.com/embed/vjdZ2vrAokY?si=nuMpBB6ANQQb2EbV
The issue with the remaining CEC member
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu has not yet appointed the tenth member of the CEC, who is being claimed by the PDK and VV.
Although according to civil society and experts on the Kosovo Constitution, this member belongs to PDK, VV is insisting that this member belongs to them.
Days ago, Albin Kurti's party increased the pressure on the acting president, Albulena Haxhiu, to appoint "third members" of Vetëvendosje to the CEC.
Vetëvendosje MP Artna Abrashi last week asked the Acting President of Kosovo, Albukena Haxhiu, to appoint the third member to the CEC.
"In the capacity of the representative of the LVV, I call on you, in addition to your duties as acting president, to reflect and appoint the third member of the LVV to the CEC. Taking into account the vacant position and the democratic spirit that has been reflected, the third member of the CEC belongs to us. This issue must be resolved as soon as possible."", said Abrashi.
The Organizing Secretary of the Vetëvendosje Movement has also announced that he has written a letter to the Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, requesting the appointment of the third member of the Central Election Commission from the ranks of this party.
According to him, the request was submitted taking into account the incomplete composition of the CEC during the mandate of former President Vjosa Osmani, as well as, according to him, the fact that the Constitutional Court did not accept her request for the assessment of the conflict between constitutional powers, in case KO81/26.
Acting President Albulena Haxhiu has not yet appointed the tenth member of the CEC, who according to experts belongs to the PDK.
Early elections could be announced by the end of the month in the event of the country's president not being elected, while the incomplete composition of the CEC is considered a risk to institutional balance.
"A single vote can determine key decisions," experts estimate, recalling the 6-5 vote on the budget in the December elections.
At that meeting, the sending of ballots by mail to the diaspora was also approved, despite objections to electronic alternatives.
The current impasse is also related to the VV-opposition clash over representation in the CEC and the interpretation of the Constitution.
"Six members are appointed by the six largest parliamentary groups," Article 139 states.
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