Kosovo citizens went to the polls yesterday for the first time since the ethnic Albanian majority declared independence from Serbia last year and amid fears of a boycott by the Serb community.
The polls are seen as a test of Kosovo’s readiness to organize democratic elections on its own.
Since the end of 1998-1999 war, the territory had been run by a UN mission until it seceded from Serbia in February last year despite strong opposition by Belgrade.
More then 1.5 million people are eligible to vote in the local election for mayors and local council members in 36 municipalities, including the capital Pristina.
Polling stations opened at 7am and were due to close at 7pm. The first unofficial results are expected by midnight, and a runoff held on Dec. 13 in municipalities where candidates fail to win more than 50 percent in the first round.
In his last address ahead the vote, Kosovar President Fatmir Sejdiu on Friday called for a massive turnout, saying the elections were crucial.
“This Sunday should prove to the world that Kosovo is a stable country that produces peace and stability in the region,” he said.
But a key issue at stake is how many local Serbs will boycott the vote as urged by authorities in Belgrade and the influential Serbian Orthodox Church.
About 120,000 Serbs live in Kosovo, some 40,000 in the north near the border with Serbia. They rejected the independence declaration and have kept strong links with authorities in Belgrade, receiving financial and political support from the Serbian government.
More then 60 countries, including the US and all but five EU members have recognized the new country.
But Serbia has rejected Kosovo’s independence and views the territory as a renegade southern province.
However, according to the electoral commission, 22 of the 74 political parties, coalitions and individual candidates in the polls represent Serbs.
At least some of 80,000 Serbs living in enclaves in central Kosovo were expected to vote despite the boycott calls.
Kosovo police have stepped up security for election day.
The 13,000 troops in the NATO-led peacekeeping force (KFOR) are also ready to react at very short notice if needed, said its commander, German General Markus Bentler.
The polls were set to be monitored by local and international observers, including a EU mission and a European Parliament delegation.
More then 60 countries, including the US and the most of the EU have recognized Kosovo’s independence, but Serbia, backed by Russia, considers the territory still as its southern province.
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