Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) joins other civil society organizations in opposing the decision of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu who dismissed the President of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Valdete Daka.

The reasons given for Daka’s dismissal do not stand, and moreover they are based on responsibilities that do not fall under her perview. The CEC is an independent constitutional body and President Daka is only one of eleven voting members.

Among the reasons for dismissal are the violation of personal data, and errors within the voter lists. Neither of these falls under the responsibility of the President of the CE.C One is within the scope of the Agency for Information and Privacy, and the other is the responsibility of the Agency for Civil Registration in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

We note that this decision from President Osmani comes on the eve of announcing the date of local elections to be held in October this year. In addition to being considered an impact on the independent work of the CEC, many also worry that it will effect the organization and validity of these elections.

We also recall that before the early national elections of February 2021, KWN, through a press release, called for this process to take place within constitutional rules, in a democratic spirit, and to address any disagreements through institutional channels. We are repeating this call again,not only for political parties, but for every institutional figure who has the responsibility of representing the unity of the people, such as the President of the Republic of Kosovo.

As we witness the political empowerment of women in Kosovo society, KWN will continue its long-standing efforts to increase women’s participation in politics and decision-making. The Network will demand accountability for decisions that effect the democratic foundations on which we are building society.