Kosovo Elections: Problems with Mail-in Ballots for Diaspora Ahead of Runoff

RksNews
RksNews 2 Min Read
2 Min Read

During a regular meeting of the Central Election Commission (KQZ), concerns were raised regarding assisted voting within Kosovo and the delayed delivery of mail-in ballots to the diaspora ahead of the second round of municipal mayoral elections on November 9, 2025.

Certification of Results

  • The KQZ certified the final results for three municipalities: Prishtina, Mamushë, and Junik, following confirmation from the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (PZAP) that all complaints for these municipalities were resolved.
  • The certified results are available here.

Election Preparations

  • Distribution of election materials has been completed in multiple stages:
    • November 5–6: Voting boxes, booths, and administrative materials were delivered to municipal counting centers.
    • November 8: Ballots, voter lists, ink, and seals were distributed under the supervision of the Kosovo Police.

Issues Raised by KQZ Members

  • Ilir Gashi (PDK) highlighted delays in mail-in ballots reaching diaspora voters, stating that many envelopes have not arrived at their addresses. He attributed the delays to postal services rather than internal election management.
  • Alban Krasniqi (Vetëvendosje) emphasized that assisted voting requires official documentation and cannot be conducted without it.
  • Sami Kurteshi (Vetëvendosje) noted that the number of voters needing assistance, including persons with disabilities and illiterate voters, is higher than expected, affecting assisted voting logistics.
  • Sami Hamiti (LDK) focused on mail delivery to diaspora voters, reporting that out of 29,725 registered voters abroad, only 20,033 envelopes (68%) have been successfully delivered. Additionally, 3,170 voters were not at home when ballots were delivered.

Assisted Voting Data

  • Historical figures indicate:
    • 2017 local elections: 58,584 assisted votes
    • 2019 parliamentary elections: 55,961 assisted votes
  • In the current runoff across 19 municipalities, approximately 9,000 voters are expected to vote with assistance.

The KQZ meeting is currently on pause as officials continue discussions on these issues.