As parliamentary elections in Kosovo approach, a new report has emerged, highlighting the number of candidates who have legal issues. The parties with the most such candidates include Lëvizja Vetëvendosje, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK)-NISMA coalition, and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).
Lëvizja Vetëvendosje ranks first, followed by the AAK-NISMA coalition and LDK, in terms of the number of candidates on their lists facing legal issues. This information was presented during a conference organized by the Kosovo Institute of Justice (IKD), the FOL Movement, and the Initiative for Progress (INPO).
“Lëvizja Vetëvendosje has a total of 14 candidates, or 12% of its list, facing legal issues. The AAK-NISMA coalition has 8 candidates, making up 7.27%, while LDK has one candidate. Out of the 23 candidates with legal issues, 16 are facing active indictments, while 8 candidates have already been convicted of criminal offenses. Among these 16 candidates, three of them have more than one active indictment, bringing the total number of indictments to 20. Meanwhile, the total number of criminal offenses amounts to 21,” said Burbuqe Kastrati from the FOL Movement.
During the conference, the party programs were also discussed. Out of 28 parties competing in the February 9 elections, only 13 have presented political programs. It was noted that all programs have shortcomings, particularly regarding justice issues.
“In Lëvizja Vetëvendosje’s program, the rule of law is addressed in just one page, covering only three topics. LDK is positively noted for its promise to conduct a vetting process in line with the Venice Commission, to restore the independence of the Agency for Free Legal Aid, to maintain salary stability for judges and prosecutors, and to work on digitalization. The PDK program does not specifically refer to a strategy for the rule of law but mentions the approval of an anti-corruption strategy, which has been lacking throughout this government term,” said Gëzim Shala from the Kosovo Institute of Justice.
On Sunday, February 9, citizens of Kosovo will head to the polls to elect a new legislature and government, which will lead the country for the next four years.
