Faton Peci, the LVV candidate for mayor of Mitrovica, has filed a criminal complaint against several journalists and media figures, including Baton Haxhiu, Berat Buzhala, Lirim Mehmetaj, Visar Imeri, Ilir Mirena, Valon Syla, Ermal Panduri, Valon Feka, and Shkumbin Kajtazi, over allegations of manipulating and unlawfully influencing voters.
The legal action follows the publication of exit polls in local media after 7:00 PM, which indicated that Peci’s opponent from PDK, Arian Tahiri, was the outright winner without a runoff.
In a Facebook post, Peci stated that:
- On election day, certain media and individuals linked to interest groups conducted coordinated actions through slander, false accusations, and the publication of illegal exit polls.
- According to Peci, these actions did not reflect the real will of the voters and aimed to create confusion and unlawfully influence the election process.
- The criminal complaint is based on Articles 210 and 216 of the Kosovo Penal Code, concerning Undermining Free Voter Determination and Falsifying Election Results.
Preliminary results from the Central Election Commission (CEC) show that Peci secured second place with 47.80% of the vote, while Arian Tahiri leads narrowly with 47.89%.
Peci’s complaint is expected to lead to further legal and political developments in Mitrovica as the electoral process moves toward the runoff.
