pages 8, 16, 17, 18

BY ALEKSANDËR ÇIPA Tomorrow Kosovo faces the obligation of undergoing a test of civilization. It is the first event on the electoral calendar in freedom. As such, the political act of the first local elections stands out as a measure of the maturity and formation of the representative political class. Kosovo’s political spectrum has now appeared in all its colors, and this reality constitutes the most visible aspect of what lies ahead— Tomorrow, Kosovo will mark the first premise for establishing its legitimate institutions, of that democracy which springs from free votes and is legitimized by the ballot. In this regard, for Kosovo’s political class this vote carries specifically more the weight of moral and political testimony than that of one side’s victory according to the numerical tally. Electoral competition— If local elections are held throughout Kosovo, these will be the first free elections. Parliamentary elections are expected afterward. local, remains notable for the maturity and development of the political representative the future taking shape for its institutions and political class. The conduct of the electoral battle up to this point with the “calm of a war without gunshots” allows us to hope that this important test for Kosovo is proceeding successfully. In this context, the importance of calm and intended normality goes beyond a simple assessment and constitutes a political moment of particular significance. The effort by the main political forces, currently led by Thaçi, Rugova, Qosje, Haradinaj, etc., to win votes in this “first time of freedom” has its own constitutive value, but above all it gains the importance of an affirming historical event for politics and its institutions in Prishtina. The public statements made so far by these politicians have reflected this significance, while their political message, delivered in the turbulent electoral arena, has managed to present it as an imperative. The establishment of democratic institutions through the vote remains the first challenge in the Albanians’ response to the trust of international institutions, which arrive at a certain moment and, as time stretches on, may lose patience. With the elections, [text missing/unclear] is also legitimized by the vote. In this regard, for Kosovo’s political class, this vote specifically carries more the weight of a according to the numerical tally. Electoral competition in Kosovo this time is not primarily about who gets a “seat of power,” but about whether institutional establishment is accelerated. At a time when Kosovo remains a “diplomatic dilemma” for community and international institutions, Albanians have a moral duty to press ahead with building institutions and affirming them according to the coherent norms of democracy. Around Kosovo, multilateral diplomacy circles through its many versions and outlines. Official Belgrade, following the latest presidential change, remains determined to defend its own official history. On the other hand, Kosovo’s federal neighbors, dealing with their own troubles, have no reason to offer political assistance. This familiar pattern makes the immediate demand for a constitutive victory all the more urgent, rather than a merely electoral coronation for this or that side. At least, the Western alliance to date is not withholding its assistance in this direction. Approval of the display of the Albanian flag at political headquarters, as well as the announcement of upcoming general elections, are official signs of respect for Kosovo’s political will, which is now known where it will lead: toward independence.

For the first time, so many journalists from the Albanian media are setting out to cover the first free elections in Kosovo, namely tomorrow’s local elections. KOHA Radio Television will broadcast the local elections of the people of Kosovo tomorrow.

1-Aleksandër Çipa 2-Pandi Gjata 3-Anila Basha 4-Mirgena Topalli 5-Idriz Bajrami 6-Milazim Halili 7-Roland Qafoku 8-Manjola Zeka 9-Basir Çollaku 10-Arion Sulo 11-Valbona Zhupa 12-Edmond Kaçeli 13-Enkelejda Myftari 14-Oltion Reçi 15-Mimoza Picari 16-Konstadin Dimroçi 17-Indrit Çobani 18-Vasil Rada