More than 200 Italian KFOR troops and over 100 EU election observers have arrived in Kosovo to ensure a peaceful and orderly environment for the upcoming general elections on February 9.
As reports DW, Italian troops from the mechanized infantry brigade “Sassari” arrived on Saturday for a temporary deployment. They will work alongside NATO-led KFOR forces and remain on standby to intervene if necessary during the election period, KFOR announced.
“The deployment strengthens KFOR’s presence in Kosovo and supports the mission’s operations. In the coming months, more than 200 soldiers will conduct activities alongside KFOR troops to address any significant developments in the security situation, including during the elections,” the statement said.
EU observers begin work
The EU has also deployed over 100 election observers, with the first 18 starting their work on Sunday. These long-term observers come from 18 countries and will monitor the election campaign and voting process.
Nathalie Loiseau, head of the EU’s election observation mission, emphasized the importance of upholding democratic standards in Kosovo. “We live in times when democracies are increasingly questioned and, at times, threatened globally. Ensuring a sustainable democracy in Kosovo has never been more critical,” Loiseau said at a press conference in Pristina.
Loiseau added that the mission will evaluate and highlight areas for improvement if necessary. On election day, more than 100 European observers will monitor the voting process, with a special focus on transparency, including the use of cameras at polling stations and the vote-counting process.
Serbian participation
The general elections will also take place in northern Kosovo, home to a majority-Serb population. Unlike the 2023 local elections, which were boycotted by Serbian representatives, the largest Serbian political party in Kosovo, Srpska Lista, has confirmed its participation this time. The party has been certified by the Central Election Commission (CEC).
“I hope the new election law will be implemented properly, and measures like cameras in polling stations will ensure transparency,” Loiseau said, encouraging Serbian voters to participate without fear of intimidation or pressure.
Polarized campaign climate
The election campaign has been marked by inflammatory and divisive rhetoric, according to “Democracy in Action,” a network of local NGOs monitoring the electoral process. The Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) has already issued fines to major political parties, including the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), and Vetëvendosje, for violating the code of conduct during the campaign.
President Vjosa Osmani has expressed gratitude to EU election observers, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which is monitoring Kosovo’s elections for the first time.
A total of 28 political entities—20 political parties, five coalitions, two citizen lists, and one independent candidate—are competing in the February 9 elections. Approximately two million citizens, including 105,000 voters living abroad, are eligible to vote.
