This article reports on the EULEX Chief Giovanni Pietro Barbano statement regarding the monitoring of the collection of signatures for a petition to remove the mayors in northern Kosovo. Barbano noted that everyone exercised their rights in a safe and organized manner as deemed by the rule of law. The citizens of Leposavić and Kosovska Mitrovica initiated the collection of signatures for the dismissal of the mayors.
It is noted that the election of Albanian mayors in the four municipalities with a Serbian majority in northern Kosovo was a result of the 2023 local elections, which saw only 3.5% of the registered voters, or 1,567 people, casting their votes. From that small number, only 13 were Serbs. Since then, the mayors of the four municipalities, where Serbs make up 95% of the population, are all Albanian.
The petition to remove the mayors was initiated by a group of citizens from the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zubin Potok, and Zvečan. The temporary authorities in Pristina adopted the so-called administrative instruction for the dismissal of mayors through a petition last summer.
The EULEX mission statement highlights the importance of holding free, fair, and inclusive elections as crucial elements to ensure democratic processes are upheld. The statement also emphasizes that EULEX will continue to monitor the situation in northern Kosovo.
It is important to note that the political situation in Kosovo remains fragile, particularly in the northern municipalities. This is due to the long-standing ethnic divide between the Serbian and Albanian populations, as well as the ongoing tension between the Serbian minority and the authorities in Pristina. The ethnic tensions and political disputes in Kosovo have been ongoing for many years, and they continue to pose significant challenges to the stability and security of the region.
The EULEX mission plays a crucial role in promoting the rule of law, protecting human rights, and supporting the normalization of relations between communities in Kosovo. The mission’s ongoing presence and monitoring of the situation in northern Kosovo are essential for preventing potential conflicts and contributing to the establishment of a stable and secure environment.
In conclusion, the EULEX Chief’s statement and the ongoing efforts to monitor the petition for the removal of the mayors in northern Kosovo are significant developments in the region. It is essential for the international community, local authorities, and all relevant stakeholders to continue working toward promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and democratic processes to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of Kosovo.
