2002 Kosovan local elections

Local elections were held throughout Kosovo on 26 October 2002, organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).[1] This was the second local electoral cycle held in Kosovo after the start of the UNMIK mandate in 1999.

In each municipality, elections were held for municipal assemblies under a system of proportional representation. The elected representatives in each jurisdiction were responsible for choosing an assembly president, who held the rank of mayor. (Beginning with the next local electoral cycle in 2007, mayors were directly elected.)

The Serb community, which had generally boycotted the last round of local voting in 2000, participated in the vote in five predominantly Serb municipalities: Zubin Potok, Zvečan, Leposavić, Novo Brdo, and Štrpce.

In northern Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbs generally abstained from voting. Milan Ivanović, the leader of the Serbian National Council in northern Kosovo, said that UNMIK had not provided any guarantees that the Kosovska Mitrovica municipal assembly would be decentralized, nor had it created adequate security and institutional conditions for Serb participation. He added that the Serb community was not boycotting the elections in northern Kosovska Mitrovica, as such, but was rather giving the international community the opportunity to organize new elections once certain conditions had been met.[2]

In the rest of the province, Serb participation in the electoral process was minimal.[3]

In November 2002, the Serbian government agreed to give UNMIK direct control over the municipal government of northern Kosovska Mitrovica on a provisional basis.[4][5]

Results

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Gjakova District

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Gjakova

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic League of Kosovo15,54039.9717
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo9,03823.2410
Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo4,90912.635
Democratic Union of Gjakova2,8817.413
Democratic Party of Kosovo2,7727.133
New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo1,4113.632
Liberal Party of Kosovo8342.141
Coalition "Return"4351.12
Social Democratic Party of Kosovo2290.59
Ashkali Albanian Democratic Party of Kosovo1840.47
Albanian National Democratic Party1800.46
People's Movement of Kosovo1570.40
Civic Initiative "Of the Roma of Kosovo"1070.28
National Movement for the Liberation of Kosovo990.25
Bosniak Party of Democratic Action of Kosovo540.14
Vatan520.13
Total38,882100.0041
Source: [6]

Incumbent mayor Aqif Shehu of the Democratic League of Kosovo was confirmed for another term in office after the election. The Gjakova municipal council voted to remove Shehu from office in late 2005, but their decision was overturned by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).[7] Shehu appears to have broken with the local LDK leadership during this term.

Deçan

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic League of Kosovo9,21048.6415
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo8,67445.8115
Democratic Party of Kosovo6063.201
Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo1951.03
New Party of Kosovo840.44
Liberal Party of Kosovo810.43
National Movement for the Liberation of Kosovo440.23
People's Movement of Kosovo410.22
Total18,935100.0031
Source: [8]

Ibrahim Selmanaj of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo became mayor after the election. He resigned in 2005 after being appointed as a minister in the Kosovo government and was replaced by Nazmi Selmanaj of the same party.[9][10]

Rahovec

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic League of Kosovo9,77648.8015
Democratic Party of Kosovo6,40831.9910
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo1,8269.113
Coalition "Return"6103.041
Justice Party6093.041
People's Movement of Kosovo3271.631
New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo1710.85
National Movement for the Liberation of Kosovo1470.73
Liberal Party of Kosovo1040.52
Civic Initiative "Of Kosovo"550.27
Total20,033100.0031
Source: [11]

Incumbent mayor Esad Haxhijaha of the Democratic League of Kosovo was confirmed for a new term in office after the election.[12] He later joined the breakaway Democratic League of Dardania.[13]

Mitrovica District

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Leposavić

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic Party of Serbia99225.005
Civic Initiative "Socialist Leposavić for Kosmet in Serbia"76819.353
Serbian National Council of Northern Kosmet71718.073
Coalition "Return"53013.362
Serbian Renewal Movement3127.861
Civic Initiative "For Return and Reconciliation"2175.471
Veselin Radović1824.591
Coalition "Together"1393.501
Social Democracy651.64
Civic Initiative "Of the Roma of Kosovo"461.16
Total3,968100.0017
Source: [14]

Velimir Bojović of the Democratic Party of Serbia was chosen as mayor after the election.[15]

Mitrovica

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic League of Kosovo16,51653.4823
Democratic Party of Kosovo10,56234.2015
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo1,7635.712
Justice Party3911.271
Vatan2800.91
Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo2290.74
Liberal Party of Kosovo1380.45
Coalition "Return"1340.43
Democratic Ashkali Party of Kosovo1230.40
People's Movement of Kosovo1220.40
Serbian National Council of Northern Kosmet1040.34
Green Party of Kosovo1010.33
Balli Kombëtar880.28
Civic Initiative "Of Kosovo"780.25
Democratic Party of Serbia720.23
Social Democratic Party of Kosovo680.22
National Movement for the Liberation of Kosovo660.21
Party of Albanian National Union390.13
Civic Initiative "Of the Roma of Kosovo"110.04
Total30,885100.0041
Source: [16]

Incumbent mayor Faruk Spahija of the Democratic League of Kosovo was confirmed for another term in office after the election.[17] He died of cancer in October 2005[18] and was replaced by Mursel Ibrahimi of the same party.[19]

Skenderaj

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic Party of Kosovo15,60181.6326
Democratic League of Kosovo2,35212.314
New Party of Kosovo5292.771
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo1941.02
Balli Kombëtar1350.71
Liberal Party of Kosovo1140.60
Party of Albanian National Union840.44
Albanian National Democratic Party470.25
Coalition "Return"450.24
Civic Initiative "Srbica"110.06
Total19,112100.0031
Source: [20]

Incumbent mayor Ramadan Gashi of the Democratic Party of Kosovo was confirmed for another term in office after the election.[21]

Vushtrri

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic League of Kosovo14,53857.1218
Democratic Party of Kosovo8,02931.5510
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo1,3625.352
Justice Party4181.641
Liberal Party of Kosovo2090.82
Coalition "Return"1860.73
Social Democratic Party of Kosovo1440.57
Albanian Republican Party1400.55
People's Movement of Kosovo1130.44
National Movement for the Liberation of Kosovo1110.44
Democratic Party of Serbia990.39
Party of Albanian National Union870.34
Movement for Kosovo and Metohija160.06
Total25,452100.0031
Source: [22]

Incumbent mayor Muharrem Shabani of the Democratic League of Kosovo was confirmed for another term in office after the election.[23]

Zubin Potok

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic Party of Serbia1,86845.808
Civic Initiative "Socijalisti Kolašina"81019.864
Survival Zubin Potok3087.551
Democratic League of Kosovo2215.421
Democratic Party of Kosovo1603.921
Civic Initiative "Kolašin"1603.921
Coalition "Return"1513.701
Stojan Perović992.43
Civic Initiative "Better Life"882.16
Social Democracy731.79
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo721.77
Radovan Kostić421.03
Miroslav Radisavljević270.66
Total4,079100.0017
Source: [24]

Incumbent mayor Slaviša Ristić of the Democratic Party of Serbia was confirmed for another term in office after the election.[25]

Zvečan

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PartyVotes%Seats
Serbian National Council of Northern Kosmet1,06634.546
Democratic Party of Serbia92730.045
Social Democracy42313.712
Coalition "Return"36211.732
Serbian Renewal Movement3089.982
Total3,086100.0017
Source: [26]

Dragiša Milović of the Democratic Party of Serbia was chosen as mayor after the election.[27] Milan Ivanović of the Serbian National Council served as deputy mayor.[28]

Peja District

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Peja

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic League of Kosovo20,36745.8419
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo13,47030.3212
Democratic Party of Kosovo4,1439.324
Coalition "Return"1,1792.651
Vatan1,0972.471
New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo6681.501
Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo6611.491
Riza Lluka6141.381
Bosniak Democratic Initiative of Kosovo Husnija Bešković5851.321
Justice Party3130.70
Civic Initiative "Goraždevac"2300.52
United Roma Party of Kosovo2300.52
Liberal Party of Kosovo1810.41
Party of Albanian National Union1620.36
Civic Initiative "Of the Roma of Kosovo"1480.33
Bosniak Party of Democratic Action of Kosovo1280.29
People's Movement of Kosovo1100.25
Social Democratic Party of Kosovo770.17
Ramë Dreshaj660.15
Total44,429100.0041
Source: [29]

Incumbent mayor Ali Lajçi of the Democratic League of Kosovo was confirmed for another term in office after the election.[30]

Istog

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic League of Kosovo10,75559.4418
Democratic Party of Kosovo3,28918.186
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo1,7409.623
Coalition "Return"5573.081
New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo3982.201
Vatan3581.981
Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo3181.761
New Party of Kosovo1490.82
Tijanić Obrad1350.75
Liberal Party of Kosovo990.55
Bosniak Party of Democratic Action of Kosovo970.54
People's Movement of Kosovo780.43
Balli Kombëtar680.38
National Movement for the Liberation of Kosovo520.29
Total18,093100.0031
Source: [31]

Incumbent mayor Fadil Ferati of the Democratic League of Kosovo was confirmed for another term in office after the election.[32]

Klina

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PartyVotes%Seats
Democratic League of Kosovo6,46739.9613
Democratic Party of Kosovo5,22632.2910
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo1,83411.334
Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosovo1,3678.453
Coalition "Return"6083.761
New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo2051.27
People's Movement of Kosovo1961.21
Liberal Party of Kosovo1530.95
Party of Albanian National Union790.49
Balli Kombëtar500.31
Total16,185100.0031
Source: [33]

Incumbent mayor Ramë Manaj of the Democratic League of Kosovo was confirmed for another term in office after the election.[34] He resigned in 2006 and was replaced by Prenkë Gjetaj.[35]

References

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  1. ^ Report on the municipal elections in Kosovo 26 October 2002, Observation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE), Council of Europe, 8 January 2003, accessed 2 February 2022.
  2. ^ "Local Kosovo Serb leader explains reasons for boycott of polls in Mitrovica," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 22 October 2002 (Source: Text of report by Yugoslav state news agency Tanjug).
  3. ^ Report on the municipal elections in Kosovo 26 October 2002, Observation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE), Council of Europe, 8 January 2003, accessed 2 February 2022.
  4. ^ "Serbian deputy PM says UN administration of Mitrovica agreed with Belgrade," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 26 November 2002 (Source: Tanjug news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 1220 gmt 26 Nov 02).
  5. ^ "Serbia's Covic announces forming of northern Mitrovica council," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 17 December 2002 (Source: Beta news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 1236 gmt 17 Dec 02).
  6. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  7. ^ "Kosovo UN chief annuls municipal council decision to dismiss mayor," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 6 November 2005 (Source: KosovaLive website, Pristina, in English 4 Nov 05).
  8. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  9. ^ Deçani – Raporti komunal, Instituti për Studime të Avancuara GAP, November 2009, accessed 19 March 2024.
  10. ^ "Vëllai i Kryetarit Furnizon Komunën e Deçanit", Kallxo, 5 March 2012, accessed 19 March 2024.
  11. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  12. ^ "Kush ishte ish-kryetari i Rahovecit Esad Haxhijaha", Syri, 21 January 2020, accessed 20 March 2024.
  13. ^ ZGJEDHJET PËR KRYETARË TË KOMUNAVE 2007 – Fletëvotimet (Raundi i parë) – Rahovec, Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 18 January 2022.
  14. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  15. ^ "Leš još u Ibru", Glas javnosti, 7 April 2003, accessed 2 February 2022.
  16. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  17. ^ "Report of the Security Council Mission to Kosovo and Belgrade, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia", United Nations Security Council, 19 December 2002, accessed 4 February 2022.
  18. ^ "Ethnic Albanian mayor of Kosovo's divided Mitrovica dies," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 4 October 2005 (Source: Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive).
  19. ^ "Negociatorët pro projektit të Mitrovicës", British Broadcasting Corporation Albanian, 19 April 2016, accessed 4 February 2022.
  20. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  21. ^ AGJENCIA PËR NDIHMË JURIDIKE FALAS, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 2 February 2022.
  22. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  23. ^ "Report of the Security Council Mission to Kosovo and Belgrade, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia", United Nations Security Council, 19 December 2002, accessed 4 February 2022.
  24. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  25. ^ Председништво, Archived 2016-08-14 at the Wayback Machine, Democratic Party of Serbia, 14 August 2016, accessed 11 January 2022.
  26. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  27. ^ "Nema odluke o produženju mandata", Politika, 9 June 2008, accessed. 25 January 2022.
  28. ^ Biljana Radomirović, "Београд тражи изборе на Космету, Унмик још ћути", Politika, 4 April 2008, accessed 29 January 2021.
  29. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  30. ^ Skënder Mulliqi, "Pse Ali Lajçi duhet të jetë kandidat i LV për kryetar të Pejës?", Bota Sot, 17 December 2020, accessed 13 March 2024.
  31. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  32. ^ "Vdiq Fadil Ferati, nënkryetar i LDK-së", Bota Sot, 30 January 2010, accessed 17 March 2024.
  33. ^ Zgjedhjet për Kuvende Komunale 2002 – Rezultatet dhe Statistikat (Rezultatet e subjekteve sipas komunave), Central Election Commission, Republic of Kosovo, accessed 4 February 2022.
  34. ^ Kosovo: Who's Who in the New Government, United States Department of State, 2007, accessed 17 March 2024.
  35. ^ OSCE Magazine, Octobre 2006, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, p. 14.