Election in North Mitrovica

For the last few weeks North Mitrovica has been in the midst of a campaign surrounding local elections organised by the Serbian government.  All the activity culminated with voting held on Sunday 30th May, with polling stations open to 20.00 CET.

The election has been branded "illegal" by Mr. Avdi Kastrati, President of the municipality of Mitrovica and Mr Pieter Feith, EU special representative for Kosovo, has said that the outcome will not be recognised by the Union.

Pieter Feith - European Union Special Representative

Source: FotoNet Archive

Despite the controversy surrounding the elections emanating from Prishtina, there are thirteen lists of candidates on the ballot paper and campaigning has been vigorous.  The NATO peacekeeping mission, KFOR, has offered protection to all peaceful protesters and has said that it will take "all necessary measures" against all violent actions.

Participants in the inaugural conference of the Forum for Cities in Transition, held between 24th and 28th of May in Mitrovica, found themselves having to make an unexpected detour around a noisy campaign meeting, where police held an armed man, as they made their way from one event to another on Tuesday evening.  At the International Business College Mitrovica we have kept to our timetable and have kept up teaching thoughout the campaign period.

Election campaign posters in north Mitrovica

Source: ©Paul Sudnik - 28h May 2010