UNMIK/PR/1257
PRISTINA – SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen called on all parties to respect the results of the Assembly elections held on 23 October, after hearing the OSCE’s announcement of the partial preliminary results.
“We must listen to the voices of those who voted, and respect their verdict. Kosovo and its people are the winners, and no one who wants a better future for Kosovo should consider himself or herself a loser,” the SRSG said on Monday.
This election marks a turning point for Kosovo, the SRSG noted, hailing the peaceful conduct of the election and the good turnout and encouraging all parties to work together to consolidate Kosovo’s democratic progress.
“Politicians must take note of the clear message from the voters, who will hold their elected leaders accountable for delivering results,” he said.
The SRSG appealed for the quick formation of a new government once the final results are certified. The New Government’s top priority must be implementing the Standards and making progress towards a multiethnic society. He reiterated that UNMIK looks forward to working in partnership with the next government, who will be given important new competencies, on improving the economic situation and creating more jobs.
“We must now work with the legitimate representatives of all communities, and we must also reach out to those who decided not to vote or who felt intimidated not to cast their ballots,” he underscored.
In the next couple of days, the SRSG will meet the newly elected political leaders to congratulate them on their role in the elections and listen to their views on the way forward.