Albanian businessman and activist Muharrem Salihu has expressed concern over the significant presence of Serbian military forces in Medveđa during voting in Serbia’s early parliamentary elections today.
Salihu described the situation as distressing and alarming for the future of Albanians in their ancestral homeland.
“Today, I voted at the ‘Zenel Hajdini’ primary school in Tupallë, my hometown, in Serbia’s parliamentary elections. What I witnessed and experienced today was more than just an election day. There was a significant presence of Serbian military forces in the centre of Medveđa. At the polling stations, Albanian representation on the electoral commissions was extremely limited, with a ratio of approximately one to eight compared with representatives of other communities, according to my observations,” Salihu said.
Salihu also highlighted the widespread deactivation of addresses belonging to Albanians in Medveđa, a practice that he said has deprived many of them of the opportunity to vote.
“Regardless of the outcome of these elections for Serbia’s political future, one issue remains fundamental: the European Union and the entire international community must make it clear to Belgrade that Serbia is a state belonging to all its citizens, not only to Serbs. Everyone must feel free, equal and safe, regardless of ethnicity.
“This applies above all to Albanians, who are an indigenous population in these territories. Medveđa is not merely a place on a map. It represents history, identity, memory and the right to live freely in one’s homeland.
“Today, we voted to demonstrate our presence. Tomorrow, we must continue to demand our rights with perseverance, dignity and determination, because our presence cannot be erased by an administrative decision, and our rights cannot be eliminated through the deactivation of residential addresses.
“Medveđa deserves justice. The Albanians of Medveđa deserve equality and dignity!” he concluded.
