 |
Breakdown of Voters
KQZ member Arianit Elshani detailed the distribution of voters:
- Within Kosovo: 1,970,944 voters.
- Abroad: 104,924 registered voters, of which:
- 84,525 opted for postal voting.
- 20,399 selected in-person voting at diplomatic representations.
Elshani emphasized that the list underwent a thorough verification process, combining data from the Civil Registry and the Department of Document Production. However, he acknowledged persistent inaccuracies, including the presence of deceased individuals due to the lack of notifications to the authorities by citizens.
Increase in Voter Numbers
Compared to the last local elections on December 17, the current voter list shows an increase of 174,888 voters.
Voting Arrangements
The KQZ has also set maximum voter numbers per polling station:
- Rural areas: Maximum of 999 voters per station.
- Urban areas: Maximum of 950 voters per station.
Voting Abroad
The commission approved recommendations to close physical voting at embassies in Tirana and Podgorica, citing a minimal number of registered voters—under 50 in each location. The eight registered voters in these locations will instead be allowed to vote by mail.
As of August 29, 2024, the KQZ finalized plans for 35 Voting Centers with 47 polling stations in 19 embassies and 16 consulates across 22 countries.
Challenges and Opportunities
This election marks the first time Kosovo’s voter list has been compiled using dual databases, a step towards inclusivity. However, logistical challenges, such as maintaining accurate voter records and ensuring accessibility for citizens abroad, remain critical issues for the KQZ to address.
The upcoming elections are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Kosovo’s political future, with both domestic and diaspora participation being key factors.