Headlines - 21 11 2017

LDK wants vote recount in Pristina (media)

Avdullah Hoti, head of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) parliamentary group, reacted on Monday after the Central Election Commission confirmed that there were errors in processing data for the preliminary results for the mayoral runoff elections in Pristina. Hoti also claimed that errors in reporting votes were seen in several polling stations. “In all cases, these errors go the disadvantage of the LDK and Arban Abrashi. This is why a recount of vote is needed to clarify the situation … Being that we have such a narrow difference [between the two candidates], these errors can determine who will govern Pristina in the next four years. The citizens of Pristina deserve to know the whole truth,” Hoti was quoted as saying. Pristina-based Gazeta Express news website too quotes Lutfi Haziri, deputy leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), as saying that due to errors with data for the preliminary results this party could ask for a recount of vote in Pristina.

The local revolution (Zeri)

In its leading front-page story, the paper notes that the results of Sunday’s mayoral runoff elections are being seen as a local revolution that will take Kosovo to early parliamentary elections. The paper further notes that the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) is the biggest loser in the elections, whereas its ruling partner at the central level, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), is seen as the winner of the runoff elections as it will now govern in seven municipalities. The Vetevendosje Movement has won the two biggest municipalities, Pristina and Prizren, whereas the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has grabbed the biggest share at the local level.

President Thaci comments on Sunday’s mayoral runoff elections (Bota Sot)

The President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, congratulated the people of Kosovo, the political parties, the civil society and media, all institutions, the CEC for the organization of free and democratic elections. “Kosovo once again proved that the highest professional, fair, free and democratic elections are now a consolidated standard in Kosovo. I also thank all the observers, Kosovars and internationals, who guaranteed that the process is transparent and credible. This time we were honored that at the time of the elections in Kosovo with the presence of our eternal friend and pioneer cultivator of our relations with the U.S. Congressman Eliot Engel, who had the opportunity to observe closely at Kosovo’s democracy in action,” Thaci siad.

Veseli: I assume responsibility, be in defeat or victory (media)

The President of the Assembly of Kosovo and leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Kadri Veseli, said when asked about the loss of his political party in Mitrovica that he does not hold any grudge and congratulated the people of this city for election of the new mayor. He however added that he is not pleased with the results of the run-off and mentioned that all political parties united against PDK. “It is not colossal, I certainly hold responsibility as I am the leader of PDK, be it for successes or any other result,” Veseli said. He said that PDK also has had great victories under his leadership, and mentioned the biggest number of assembly members.

Haliti: Being too long in power affected the results (Epoka)

Member of the leadership of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), told the paper that major propaganda against his political party and being too long in power, were the reasons for the low results in these local elections. “I do not practice much to comment results of elections, but this is something that happens to all the parties that were too long in power,” Haliti said. He added that the party needs detailed analysis to see what did not function in its structure. He stressed that if required, central structures of this party should be also held responsible.

PDK announces internal elections (media)

Most media report that the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has started preparations for internal elections. PDK issued a press release on Monday thanking all citizens that trusted its vision, platform and candidates in the latest local elections. “The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Kadri Veseli, in line with the decision of the Steering Council on July 29, 2017, and the statute of the PDK, has announced internal party elections starting from today,” the press release noted.

DiA says run-off elections met democratic standards (Epoka)

Albert Krasniqi from the coalition of civil society Democracy in Action (DiA) said that the Election Day was quiet and without serious incidents that would affect the flow of the process. He said that voting was commenced by respecting the democratic standards for free and fair elections. “Citizens were free to vote their preferred candidates and they were certain on exercising of their right to vote. Except for minor and isolated irregularities, no serious incident that would affect the entire process was marked,” Krasniqi said. He added that the only exclusion is the call on the people of some Serb localities not to vote.

President of Specialist Chambers to visit Kosovo on Thursday (media)

As part of her first visit to Kosovo as President of the Specialist Chambers, Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova, together with the Registrar of the Specialist Chambers, Fidelma Donlon, will meet representatives of civil society in Kosovo, several online media report. “During the visit, President Trendafilova will also hold bilateral meetings with government officials as well as domestic and international organisations to discuss the activities of the Specialist Chambers. At the information session, the President and the Registrar will present on the structure, recent legal developments and work of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Presentations will be followed by a Q&A opportunity for the representatives of civil society,” a media advisory said. Trendafilova will visit Kosovo on November 23.