c. Frustration with the status quo
Most Kosovo Albanian leaders consider the current policies of the international community in the territory as contributing to the deteriorating economic and social conditions. Likewise, some of them tend to regard the principle of “standards before status” formulated by the international community as a convenient instrument for postponement of the unresolved issue of “final” status. The international community, originally seen as the arbiters of peace, stability and security and the harbingers of the way forward, is now more associated with the maintenance of the status quo and lack of clarity over the future status.
These views seem to have wide support among the majority population, which besides the general economic difficulties, is faced with dwindling remittances from the diaspora (a traditional source of funds) and growing donor fatigue.
d. The 2004 Election: an element in Standards
In his report of 30 July 2004 to the Security Council, the UN Secretary General emphasized that “Standards implementation remains the fundamental and overarching means of improving conditions in Kosovo”.
Criteria regarding elections are an important part of the “Standards for Kosovo”, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council in December 2003. The relevant electoral requirements are contained in Standard I of the document–“Functioning Democratic Institutions”:
- Elections are regular, transparent, free and fair, conforming to international standards, allowing the full and peaceful participation of all communities and ethnic groups.
- Internally-displaced persons and refugees continue to be fully included in the Kosovo election process and their ability to vote is facilitated.
- An independent, representative and multi-ethnic Central Election Commission administers elections;
- A range of democratic political parties contests elections;
- A comprehensive legal framework covering political party operation and finances is adopted and enforced.
e. Participation of the Serb minority
In the context of the above requirements, participation of the Kosovo Serbs was considered crucial to the political significance of the October elections.
It should be recalled that in the three previous elections in the province (2000, 2001, 2002) the full participation of the Kosovo Serbs was also in doubt, although in the end the decision was positive.
Kosovo Albanian politicians and members of the international community clearly and strongly wish to have the Serbs participate in the electoral process and are actively encouraging such participation.
For its part, the CEC on several occasions postponed certain electoral deadlines with the aim of facilitating participation.
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