Lumturije Ameti has withdrawn her candidacy for membership in Serbia’s Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) Council, despite being officially nominated by the Albanian National Council (NSA), local media outlet Bujanovačke reported early Thursday.
In a written statement submitted to the portal on Wednesday evening, Ameti confirmed her decision to step out of the selection process, citing irregularities, delays, and a lack of broad consensus among national minority councils.
Reasons for Withdrawal
According to Ameti, the decision was motivated by concerns over the credibility of the selection process, as well as the absence of full and unified support from minority national councils across Serbia.
She stated that her primary goal was fair, responsible, and effective representation of national minority interests within the REM Council, adding that without comprehensive and consensual backing, her candidacy could not legitimately fulfill that role.
Ameti emphasized that withdrawing was a principled choice, grounded in transparency, integrity, and respect for minority communities, and reflected her belief that institutional representation must be based on unity and mutual trust.
Albanian National Council Distances Itself from the Decision
Shortly after the announcement, the Albanian National Council issued a separate statement clarifying that it did not support nor initiate Ameti’s withdrawal.
The statement, signed by NSA President Enkel Redžepi, stressed that the move was entirely Ameti’s personal decision and does not reflect the position of the nominating body.
“The sudden withdrawal of Lumturije Ameti from the REM Council appointment process does not represent the stance of the Albanian National Council. It is solely the personal decision of the candidate,” the statement said.
Missed Opportunity for Minority Representation
The NSA expressed regret over the withdrawal, stating that it resulted in a missed historic opportunity for the REM Council to include a member of Albanian nationality for the first time.
News of Ameti’s withdrawal was first reported by local media in Bujanovac, prompting wider attention to the issue of minority representation in key regulatory institutions in Serbia.
