The election process in municipalities with Serb majority did not meet European standards of democratic elections, stated EU Heads of Missions, KIM Radio reported.

Although EU Heads of Missions are pleased that based on the report of the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) elections were held in a peaceful and regular manner in most of the places, they noticed with concern that pre-election campaign in the Serb areas in Kosovo was marked with intimidations, KIM Radio further said.

“That is why the election process, in the municipalities with Serb majority did not meet the European standards of democratic elections. The EOM identified a permanent, coordinated and worrying pattern of intimidations in areas with Serb majority, directed towards candidates who run against Srpka Lista. It includes the pressure exercised on individual candidates to withdraw, thus preventing political competition, which brings into question crucial principle of the entire democratic process in these areas,” press statement said.

“We call upon all relevant participants from the entire political spectrum and communities to address these shortcomings without further delay,” KIM Radio reports.

In line with usual practise, the final report containing recommendations to advance the wider election framework would be published by the EU EOM, after completion of the election process, including the second round of mayoral elections.

“These recommendations would help Kosovo authorities in their efforts to advance the election framework, and to further promote and consolidate democratic governing and institutions. The EU remains fully committed to support the Kosovo authorities in their efforts,” the press statement concluded.