The role of the diaspora in decision-making in Kosovo through elections

The counting process of ballots from the diaspora, carried out from September 17 to October 11, ended on Monday. These ballots, which came from 22 countries via mail, have brought changes to the final results in many municipalities in Kosovo.

Meanwhile, there were also numerous reactions that raised questions about whether the diaspora should be decisive in the results of local elections.

Political expert Artan Muhaxhiri, while appreciating the diaspora's contribution to the country, said that it is unethical for citizens who do not live in Kosovo to be part of electoral decision-making.

"The contribution of the diaspora is great and we will always be indebted to them for what they have done for our country. Regarding the political aspect, voting should be linked to responsibility and consequences. A citizen who votes should take responsibility for the party they voted for. I do not find it ethical for someone to go to live in another country, then vote for another system where they do not live, and not experience the positive or negative consequences themselves. Voting in one system and living in another are contrary to the principle of responsibility," Muhaxhiri emphasizes.

According to him, there are many countries that have imposed restrictions on the right to vote for citizens who have no longer lived in their country for more than 15 or 25 years, and such a model could also be considered in Kosovo.

"There are countries like Germany, Great Britain, Canada that have imposed restrictions, for example after 15 or 25 years abroad, a person no longer has the right to vote, as they have lost the idea of ​​returning to live. If entire generations live and integrate in the diaspora, create careers there, it is not right for them to vote for local or general elections and influence the election results," Muhaxhiri declares.

On the other hand, professor of legal affairs, Mazllum Baraliu, says that as long as citizens abroad have Kosovar citizenship, they have equal rights with citizens living within the country.

"Our citizens in the diaspora, if they have the right to vote and are still citizens of Kosovo, have equal rights with citizens living here. The only difference is that they live temporarily abroad. If they have lost their citizenship, for example because they have acquired citizenship of a country that does not allow dual citizenship, then they cannot vote. But otherwise, they are equal in rights," Baraliu declares.

He adds that the diaspora has the right to hold local governments accountable, due to the properties they have in the country and their direct interests.

"Often the diaspora has a greater interest than us who live here in participating in elections. They have nostalgia, will and desire to contribute. I saw a comment that said 'why should they vote for mayor', but of course they should - because through the municipality the security of their property, their homes is decided. They are taxpayers, even though temporarily abroad, and they have never saved for Kosovo," adds Baraliu.

According to the Central Election Commission, in the second round of elections, to be held on November 9, the same list of out-of-country voters will be used as in the first round, due to lack of time for new registration.

"In the second round of mayoral elections, only voters who have successfully registered for the first round will have the right to vote outside Kosovo, and only in the municipalities where the second round will take place. No new registration period will be opened, as time is limited. The total number of citizens registered to vote outside Kosovo in the first round was 43,933. Voters from municipalities where there will be no second round will be deducted from this number. The list of voters within the country will be updated for citizens who turn 18 by the election date," states the spokesperson for the Central Election Commission, Valmir Elezi.

Elezi emphasizes that each country has its own ways of organizing voting abroad. In Kosovo, for local elections, diaspora voting is done by mail, while in general elections it is also done through diplomatic missions.

"Each country has its own specifics for the electoral process. In local elections, voting for the diaspora is organized by mail, while in the elections for the Assembly of Kosovo, voting can also be done in diplomatic missions. The Constitution guarantees that every citizen of Kosovo who has reached the age of 18 by election day has the right to vote. The CEC enables different forms of voting for the realization of this right," emphasizes Elezi.

Despite debates and differing views, the diaspora vote remains a constitutional right and an important part of the democratic process in Kosovo. Discussions about its regulation are legitimate, but the participation of the diaspora demonstrates the continued interest in contributing to the country's developments, regardless of distance.