Election earthquake, local governments punished (dailies)
Koha Ditore reports on the front page that in the majority of Kosovo municipality’s the free vote has heavily punished the PDK, the AAK and LDK’s Isa Mustafa in the capital city of Pristina. The Democratic League (LDK) has won elections in 9 municipalities, while it suffered a defeat in four municipalities, including Pristina. The ruling Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) lost five municipalities, and will continue to govern ten municipalities. The Haradinaj-led Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) has lost four municipalities and will continue to govern three municipalities. The New Kosovo Alliance (AKR) for the first time will govern two municipalities, Gjakova and Mitrovica. The biggest surprise of run-off elections is the victory of Vetevendosje’s candidate in Pristina, Shpend Ahmeti. Pristina for many years was a stronghold of the LDK.
CEC preliminary results for 25 municipalities, except Partesh (Koha)
The Kosovo Central Election Committee after midnight announced the preliminary results for run-off elections in 25 municipalities, except for Partesh municipality where an incident occurred after the polling station was closed. The CEC said the turnout was 39.87 percent, 1 million and 371 thousand and 524 voters in 1816 polling stations.
CEC chairperson Valdete Daka said several persons entered a polling station in Partesh municipality and demolished three ballot boxes. “The incident occurred at the polling station in Pasjan. Three boxes were demolished, and one box was saved and it is currently in the hands of the police. Two persons have been arrested in relation to the incident,” she added.
Jahjaga: Kosovo passed the test of democracy (dailies)
Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga said on Sunday that the municipal run-off elections were a success story and that they proved the commitment of the people of Kosovo to build a democratic society. Jahjaga also welcomed the turnout of Kosovo Serbs in the elections, especially in the northern part of the country, and their readiness to integrate in Kosovo institutions and society.
“The test of the democratic maturity and the society’s readiness to build a better future was passed on December 1. These elections mark our step toward the integration of the country and they are the best proof that we can build our future together,” Jahjaga said.
Jacobson: Important election process (dailies)
Several dailies quote U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Tracey Ann Jacobson, as saying that the December 1 municipal run-off elections are very important. During a visit at a polling station in Pristina, Jacobson said Kosovo had done a great job on 3 November, the same as it happened in the voting of 1 November in north Mitrovica. “It is important to use this dynamics, so that voters can come forward also in the second round and to vote, while political parties to make sure that the do they work according to the law,” Jacobson said.
Belgrade wins the north (Koha)
The paper notes that Serbia has achieved its goal in Kosovo, with its candidates winning in the municipalities of northern Mitrovica, Gracanica, Partesh, Ranillug Kllokot and Novobrdo. In the first round of elections, the Serbian List, which enjoys Belgrade’s support, won in Leposavic, Zvecan and Zubin Potok. Meanwhile, the SLS candidate Bratislav Nikolic won in Shterpce municipality.
Krstimir Pantic, who won in northern Mitrovica, said his victory enables the government in Belgrade to continue its fight for keeping Kosovo a part of Serbia. “Now we have nine mayors who support the government of Serbia and who will continue on not recognizing Kosovo’s independence,” Pantic said.
Roberts: Territories should be exchanged (Zeri)
Former British Ambassador to Belgrade, Ivor Roberts, said on Saturday that Kosovo’s partition or the exchange of territories between Kosovo and Serbia is a permanent solution. In an interview for Serbian media, Roberts said it would be hypocritical to block Serbia’s path toward the European Union on the condition of recognizing Kosovo’s independence, because even some EU member states have not recognized it. Roberts also said that the Brussels agreement was a positive development, “but the permanent solution is the one that hurts both parties”.
Citaku: Exchange of territories is not possible (Epoka e Re)
The Government of Kosovo is not seriously considering a statement by former British ambassador to Belgrade, Ivor Roberts, who said that Kosovo’s partition or exchange of territories is a permanent solution for Kosovo and Serbia.
Kosovo’s European Integration Minister Vlora Citaku said the state of Kosovo takes into serious consideration only statements coming from the British Foreign Office. “Statements by former officials should not necessarily be treated seriously. Britain’s policy toward Kosovo is very clear. It strongly supports our territorial integrity, our independence and our country’s integration in Euro-Atlantic structures,” Citaku said.
Citaku reiterated the position of the Kosovo Government that partition is not possible. “Not only is such a scenario impossible, but it does not enjoy support in world decision-making centers,” she added.
