EU expects Kosovo politicians to remain committed to reform after Oct 6 vote

“The European Union looks forward to the formation of a new government as soon as the relevant procedures are completed,” the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn said in a joint statement late on Tuesday.

The formation of the new government is important so that Kosovo can swiftly resume work on reforms in support of economic and social development as well as rule of law, on the implementation of the EU-Kosovo stabilisation and association agreement and on the EU-facilitated dialogue with Belgrade, the EU officials said.

“We expect all political actors to remain committed to these processes, which are key for Kosovo's future, for progress on its European path, and most importantly for the benefit of the people of Kosovo and of the whole region.”

According to the preliminary statement of the EU’s election observation mission issued earlier on Tuesday, the voting process was well administered and transparent.

“The campaign environment was vibrant and competitive in most of Kosovo, but marred by intimidation in the Kosovo Serb areas. All the irregularities identified should be addressed by the authorities,” Mogherini and Hahn said.

In the coming months, the EU mission will submit a final report containing recommendations for future electoral processes.

Kosovo's opposition parties Self-Determination Movement (VV) and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) have won close to a quarter of all votes each, according to preliminary results released by the Central Election Commission. Final results are expected to be published in the coming days.

Kosovo, considered to be a potential candidate for EU membership by the European Commission, unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has so far has been recognised by more than half of the 193 UN member states. Belgrade does not recognise Kosovo's independence.