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Kosovo Prime Minister Thaci Declares Election Victory

13.12.2010 15:00

By RFE/RL

Incumbent Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has claimed victory in the first general election in Kosovo since the territory's ethnic Albanian leaders declared independence from Serbia nearly three years ago.

In its initial reaction, the European Union hailed the mostly peaceful conduct of the poll but urged authorities in Pristina to follow up on any complaints.

Thaci told a late-night party rally in Pristina that his Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) had won a "major victory" for "democratic and Euro-Atlantic values."

"We should avoid divisions. We should work together," he said. "Only then will Kosovo win, as it won tonight."

Thaci made the speech after an exit poll put his party in the lead with 31 percent of the December 12 vote.

Its main rival and former coalition partner, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), was second with 25 percent, while a new party, Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) came in third with around 16 percent.

No Violence

Following the announcement, RFE/RL's Balkan Service says the streets of Pristina filled up with rival PDK and LDK supporters waving flags and honking horns. But there were no reports of violence, with police keeping the two sides apart.

Tensions later eased as LDK leader Isa Mustafa, who is also the mayor of Pristina, called for calm while the votes were being counted.

In a televised appearance, Mustafa declined to concede, instead rejecting the exit poll.

"Only [final] results will be valid, so we don't need to make any assumptions about the results," he said.

"For us, only the Central Election Commission's results are valid, and there is no need for any celebrations in the streets of Pristina, as it will impact the work of the [commission]. We should be calm and keep things in order so we can continue our work."

Election officials are expected to release official results later in the day today.

If the results are confirmed, Thaci will need support from other parties to form a government.

The international community will be watching the vote and its aftermath closely to see whether the Serbian minority integrates into political life.

The Central Election Commission said the overall turnout was around 48 percent, compared to 40 percent at the last elections in 2007.

The commission's head, Valdete Daka, said the voting process had been a success despite what she called "technical hitches."

Following Up

In a joint statement, EU foreign-policy chief Catherine Ashton and EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said they were pleased that the "majority" of voting in Kosovo took place in a "calm and orderly manner."

Ashton and Fuele also urged the authorities to "certify the results and to deal with complaints and appeals."

The European Union had urged Kosovar authorities to ensure a free and fair vote, saying it is a key condition for productive future ties with the bloc.

Meanwhile, the head of the European Parliament's observation team praised "increased participation" among ethnic Serbs living in Kosovo enclaves and a "generally well organized" election day.

Doris Pack, speaking to reporters in Pristina, also warned of some "serious" allegations of fraud.

Turnout in two areas known as Thaci strongholds was almost double the national average -- "statistically impossible," Thaci's LDK rivals charged.

"Allegations of fraud in two municipalities have been brought to [our] attention," Pack said. "Therefore, the delegation encouraged political parties to follow proper legal procedures. Identified perpetrators should be prosecuted promptly in line with the law in order to curtail the culture of impunity."

Around 1.6 million voters were eligible to choose from 1,265 candidates from 29 parties, who are vying for 120 parliament seats.

Twenty seats have been reserved for ethnic minorities, including 10 that have been guaranteed to ethnic Serbian candidates.

Serb Tensions

But as in past elections, Belgrade, which still considers the territory its southern province, called on the 120,000-strong ethnic Serbian minority in Kosovo not to vote. In past elections, turnout among ethnic Serbs was around 2 percent.

This time, turnout among Serbs living in enclaves in central Kosovo was reportedly higher than in previous elections. Turnout among Serbs living in the north remained very low despite the establishment of mobile polling stations there.

Fighting corruption and an unemployment rate of nearly 50 percent were the main issues for voters polled during the election campaign.

Both the PDK and LDK say they back the reforms needed for eventual European Union and NATO membership for Kosovo.

The snap election was triggered by parliament overwhelmingly backing a no-confidence motion last month, which brought down the government that led the country to independence from Serbia in February 2008.

In the almost three years since then, Kosovo has struggled to establish itself as an independent country.

So far, some 70 countries, including the United States and most EU members, have recognized Kosovo as an independent country. Serbia's ally Russia has been among the countries opposing the territory's membership as an independent state in the United Nations.

More than a decade after NATO air strikes broke Belgrade's control, most Serbs continue to live in enclaves guarded by NATO-led peacekeepers, mostly concentrated in northern Kosovo.

written by Antoine Blua, with contributions from RFE/RL's Balkan Service and agency reports

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/kosovo_thaci_elections_serbia_eu_nato/2246691.html

Copyright (c) 2010. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.