Kosova is preparing for local elections scheduled by the country’s president on October 12. The deep political crisis following the February 9 elections continues to pose challenges for the organization of the vote.

Journalist Edona Podvorica noted in a live broadcast on “Good Morning Albania” on RTSH that the uncertain political and organizational environment creates multiple challenges for the election process. She highlighted that it remains unclear how the political crisis might affect the elections and the management of logistical issues.

Podvorica indicated that the diaspora vote will play a significant role in determining results. Around 44,000 registered voters abroad will be able to cast their ballots by mail, a process organized for the first time by the Central Election Commission (CEC). The postal voting process began on September 17 and will continue until October 11.

She explained that the CEC has consistently managed both local and national elections, noting that past technical issues, such as the server problem during the February 9 vote, were exceptions. For the upcoming elections, the CEC has prepared lists including more than 2 million eligible voters, with 50,000 abroad. The preparations also cover municipalities in northern Kosova following certification processes related to the Serbian List.

Podvorica added that after several months of political deadlock, Kosova has only recently constituted the leadership of the Assembly, marking an unprecedented period in the country’s parliamentary history.

As of the latest update, the CEC reported that approximately 34% of mail-in ballots for registered voters abroad have been processed.

/a.p./