As Kosovo’s parliamentary elections on February 9 approach, security experts believe the electoral process will proceed in a peaceful and secure environment, with no major incidents expected. However, they caution that Serbia and Russia will continue their efforts to influence local Serbs in northern Kosovo, reports Indeksonline.
Security experts have welcomed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s statement, assuring that the military alliance is in contact with both Kosovo and Serbia to prevent destabilization during the upcoming elections.
Security expert Avni Islami emphasized the preparedness of Kosovo’s institutions, including the Kosovo Police, the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (AKI), EULEX, and KFOR, who have always shown vigilance. “The security situation for these elections will proceed without incidents, as Kosovo’s security institutions are well-prepared and coordinated with EULEX and KFOR,” he said.
However, Islami highlighted ongoing efforts by Serbia and Russia to tarnish the image of the elections, especially among local Serbs. He warned of the possibility of isolated, sporadic incidents in the four northern municipalities due to political conflicts within Serbian political parties. “While there may be sporadic incidents, they will be isolated and will not disrupt the overall election process,” he added.
Security expert Nuredin Ibishi stressed the importance of maintaining regional stability, especially considering the tensions caused by Serbia’s ongoing alliance with Russia. He warned of the risks of a “hybrid war” that Serbia could use to destabilize the situation but expressed confidence in Kosovo’s capacity to maintain order.
Rutte also emphasized the key role of the Kosovo-Serbia relations and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Western Balkans region. He reassured that NATO would not allow any security vacuum in Bosnia or Kosovo and would remain closely engaged to prevent destabilization.
