Political Parties Face Heavy Fines for Campaign Misconduct
In just three weeks since the start of the electoral campaign for the February 9th parliamentary elections, political parties in Kosovo have been fined a total of over €430,000. The Panel for Complaints and Appeals (PZAP) imposed 88 fines amounting to €433,900, with the highest fines being €20,000 each for the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the coalition “Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, NISMA, Conservatives, Intellectuals.”
The majority of these fines were due to violations of the Code of Conduct for Political Subjects. Notably, LDK was the most fined party, with 21 fines totaling €112,500, mostly following complaints from the self-determination movement (Vetëvendosje). Other fined parties include Vetëvendosje, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), and the “AAK-NISMA” coalition.
Violations involved improper campaigning practices, such as posting content online that incited hatred, holding unauthorized public gatherings, and placing campaign materials in public spaces without permission. Vetëvendosje also faced fines for obstructing journalists’ work, while the PDK was fined for using hate speech and disrupting another party’s campaign.
The fines highlight the ongoing scrutiny of political parties’ adherence to electoral rules, with all parties warned to comply with the legal frameworks designed to ensure fair and transparent elections.
The fines imposed highlight a pattern of electoral misconduct among Kosovo’s political parties, reflecting a highly polarized campaign environment. With the February 9 elections approaching, election observers and institutions will closely monitor whether political entities adhere to ethical standards or continue violating campaign regulations.
