Besnik Berisha has been elected the new chair of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) in a contentious process opposed by the outgoing chair, Jeton Mehmeti, reports RFE.
Four of the five IMC board members voted for Berisha in a secret ballot on Friday, ahead of Mehmeti’s term ending on January 21.
The decision has drawn criticism from the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) legal adviser Flutura Kusari, who called it the “completion of IMC’s capture.” Similarly, the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) expressed concerns about the election process.
The Role of IMC
Established in 2005, the IMC regulates, manages, and oversees broadcasting frequencies in Kosovo. Its responsibilities include licensing public and private broadcasters, establishing broadcasting policies, and ensuring compliance with media-related laws and regulations.
IMC members are appointed by the Kosovo Assembly, and the chair and vice-chair are chosen by secret votes among IMC board members.
Controversial Election Process
The board introduced two new agenda items during the meeting to amend its working regulations and facilitate the election of a new chair. This move was strongly opposed by Mehmeti, who argued that such changes require public consultation under IMC law, mandating a minimum 15-day period for public feedback.
“I disagree with these changes. Amending the regulations without public consultation violates the IMC law. All legal obligations must be fulfilled before any decisions,” Mehmeti stated.
Despite his objections, the board adopted a new paragraph allowing the chair to be elected up to a month before the current chair’s term ends. This amendment enabled Berisha’s election.
Following the decision, Mehmeti declared he could no longer continue the session, citing legal uncertainties:
“I cannot proceed as I do not feel legally secure. Today’s decisions are unclear and inconsistent with procedures and laws.”
Reactions to Berisha’s Election
Critics, including Kusari, described the regulatory amendments as unlawful and Berisha’s election as illegitimate.
“This is a political attack on IMC’s independence, aimed at pressuring broadcasters,” Kusari wrote on Facebook.
The AGK similarly raised concerns, alleging that the vote represents an attempt to politicize and instrumentalize IMC for partisan interests:
“This is an open attempt to undermine IMC’s independence for political purposes.”
Board members, however, defended their decision, asserting its legality and urging Mehmeti to continue leading IMC until his term officially concludes on January 21.
Implications
The controversy surrounding Berisha’s election has intensified debates over IMC’s independence and the transparency of its decision-making processes. With accusations of political interference, the situation underscores broader concerns about media freedom and institutional autonomy in Kosovo.
