Hargreaves: Recount carries risks for terms, very important that the President is elected on time
The United Kingdom Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, spoke about recent developments in the country, including the decision to recount all votes.
Hargreaves emphasized the importance of the recount for the integrity of the process, while warning that it also carries risks regarding the deadlines for electing the President.
He stressed that the process of electing the new President should be carried out as foreseen with deadlines. The current President, Vjosa Osmani, has indicated that she intends to serve another term at the head of the country.
"This of course carries some risks in terms of deadlines and I hope that the Commission will conduct the recount as soon as possible... it is very important that the process of electing the new president takes place according to the previously set deadlines. I am convinced that all parties are committed to this, because everyone understands the importance that these extremely important processes have for Kosovo," Hargreaves declared.
The Ambassador wished that the vote recount process be concluded as soon as possible, so that the creation of new institutions can proceed.
"It is extremely important that after this, the political parties unite, the Assembly is constituted and the government begins work, so that the budget and international agreements are approved as soon as possible," Hargreaves told T7.
According to him, Kosovo should make progress towards European integration this year.
“In 2026, as Kosovo enters its 19th year of statehood, it is essential to have a government that is able to act decisively, make progress towards integration into the European Union and other international organizations, and continue on this path of democracy that has been impressive over the past few years.”
So far, 742 polling stations out of 2,557 have been recounted.
The Central Election Commission has stated that it is expected to announce the final results in early February.
