2008 Serbian local elections in Kosovo

none Local elections were held in Kosovo on 11 May 2008, together with Serbia's parliamentary elections and elections in Vojvodina. UNMIK authorities have criticized Serbia organizing elections saying only the UN can organize elections in Kosovo. Kosovo's President Fatmir Sejdiu accused Serbia of trying to challenge Kosovo's statehood.http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/31/news/Serbia-Kosovo.php Serbs to hold elections in Kosovo, defying independence International Herald Tribune 2008-03-31 2008-03-31 There is a total of 115,712 registered voters and they were able to vote in 295 voting places. There are 157 voting places in Central Serbia and Vojvodina, and each of the seven major Montenegrin cities has one, for refugees from Kosovo. Background Serbia's elections in Kosovo follow the unilateral declaration of independence by Albanian leadership in Kosovo, a declaration that Serbia considers illegal. This proposal for what many observers have called a de facto partition was said to be in response to unrest in Northern Kosovo and other Kosovo Serb areas. Establishment of Serb institutions in Kosovo is part of the "functional division" of Kosovo proposed by the Serbian government. Pre-election local authorities recognized by Serbia On 12 January 2006, the Serbian government appointed new coordinators for twenty-four of Kosovo and Metohija's municipalities.112. sednica Vlade Republike Srbije, 12. januar 2006. godine, Otvorena Vlada, accessed 12 March 2024. The coordinators were: Kosovo District: Slaviša Nikolić (Priština), Živorad Stamenković (Glogovac), Živoja Balošević (Kačanik), Petar Savić (Kosovo Polje), Mirče Jakovljević (Obilić), Darko Jakovljević (Podujevo), Nikola Živković (Štimlje), Slavko Janićijević (Uroševac) Kosovo-Pomoravlje District: Mladen Jovanović (Gnjilane), Milan Ristić (Kosovska Kamenica), Petar Vasić (Novo Brdo), Nenad Kojić (Vitina) Kosovska Mitrovica District: Velimir Bojović (Leposavić), Dejan Tomašević (Srbica), Svetislav Aritonović (Vučitrn), Dragiša Milović (Zvečan), Slaviša Ristić (Zubin Potok) Peć District: Radojko Dunić (Peć), Zoran Barović (Dečani), Snežana Paunović (Đakovica), Stojan Dončić (Klina) Prizren District: Zećir Zurapi (Gora), Dejan Baljošević (Orahovac), Negovan Vitošević (Suva Reka) Velimir Bojivic of Leposavić, Dragiša Milović of Zvećan, and Slaviša Ristić of Zubin Potok were already recognized as the mayors of their communities from the 2002 Kosovan local elections, which were organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Northern Kosovo's Serb community generally participated in these elections. Although not included in the main list of appointees from 12 January, Radoš Vulić was appointed as coordinator for Istok in the Peć District at around the same time."Sprečen povratak Srba u Istok", Radio KIM, 24 April 2006, accessed 12 March 2024. Miodrag Lazić served as the coordinator for Prizren."Non-Albanians say few returnees would remain in an independent Kosovo - paper," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 18 April 2007 (Source: Danas, Belgrade, in Serbian 14 Apr 07). Stanko Jakovljević, mayor of the Serb enclave of Štrpce, was ultimately recognized as a coordinator as well."Politika mraka", Politika, 25 October 2006, accessed 12 March 2024. On 14 September 2006, Zećir Zurapi was replaced as coordinator for Dragaš by Alija Abdi."Kadrovska rešenja", Otvorena Vlada, 14 September 2006, accessed 12 March 2024."Kadrovska rešenja", otvorenavlada.rs, 24 July 2008. In the predominantly Serb northern section of the divided city of Kosovska Mitrovica, UNMIK had dissolved the local administration in 2002 and appointed an advisory council. Srboljub Milenković became the leader of the council in 2006 and was recognized as a municipal coordinator by the Serbian government.Мирољуб Мијушковић, "Расељавање 'сабирног центра'", Politika, 19 December 2007, accessed 12 March 2024. The Serbian government made the following changes on 12 December 2007:49. sednica Vlade Republike Srbije, 6. decembar 2007. godine, Otvorena Vlada, accessed 12 March 2024. Dečani: Zoran Barović was replaced by Gojko Carević. Gnjilane: Mladen Jovanović was replaced by Predrag Stojković. Istok: Radoš Vulić was dismissed from office and, somewhat confusingly, was reappointed immediately afterward. Klina: Stojan Dončić was replaced by Milivoje Ribać. Kosovo Polje: Petar Savić was replaced by Dejan Nedeljković. Kosovska Kamenica: Milan Ristić was replaced by Srboljuc Đokić. Kosovska Mitrovica: Srboljub Milenković was replaced by Radenko Nedeljković. (Milenković continued to lead UNMIK's advisory council into 2008.)"Northern Kosovo looks on EU mission as occupying force - Serbian paper," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 18 February 2008 (Source: Politika, Belgrade, in Serbian 15 Feb 08). Kosovska Vitina: Nenad Kojić was replaced by Zoran Krčmarević. Obilić: Mirče Jakovljević was dismissed from office and, somewhat confusingly, was reappointed immediately afterward. Orahovac: Dejan Baljošević was replaced by Marjan Šarić. Štimlje: Nikola Živković was replaced by Dobrivoje Mladenović. Vučitrn: Svetislav Aritonović was replaced by Oliver Vojinović. After being dismissed as coordinator for Štimlje, Nikola Živković served as coordinator for Lipljan."Kadrovska rešenja", otvorenavlada.rs, 24 July 2008, accessed 28 March 2024. The main Serbian representative from this municipality had previously been Borivoje Vignjević, who was deputy mayor in a multi-ethnic government."Mir napetih nerava", Radio Television of Vojvodina, 17 February 2008, accessed 12 April 2024. Dispute over elections UNMIK considers the holding of local elections in Serbia without its agreement as invalid and as a breach of UNSCR 1244.B92 - News - Politics - Ruecker: Local elections won't be valid https://web.archive.org/web/20080416005007/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=04&dd=10&nav_id=49290 2008-04-16 It has, however, proposed to hold local elections in the mostly Serb-populated municipalities of Leposavić, Zubin Potok, Štrpce, Zvečan and Novo Brdo, where the 2007 local elections were declared invalid due to the Serb voters' boycott; however, UNMIK insisted that it would have to organise the elections there, not Serbia, and that the date would likely not be 11 May 2008. UNMIK has no problem with the participation of Kosovo Serbs in the parliamentary election.B92 - News - Politics - UNMIK approves elections, but not on May 11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014553/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=04&dd=12&nav_id=49332 2011-06-07 However, on 14 April 2008 the Election Commission announced it would hold local elections in Serb areas of Kosovo; internally displaced persons, whether living in Kosovo or not, will be able to vote as if they were living in the municipality from which they were displaced.B92 - News - Politics - Belgrade makes Kosovo vote decision official https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014723/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=04&dd=14&nav_id=49393 2011-06-07 Minister for Kosovo Slobodan Samardžić subsequently called on Joachim Rücker to sanction the elections.B92 - News - Politics - Samardžić calls on UNMIK to sanction local elections https://web.archive.org/web/20080416112519/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=04&dd=15&nav_id=49409 2008-04-16 UNMIK spokesman Alexander Ivanko reiterated that UNMIK would view all elections held without its approval as illegal and in breach of UNSCR 1244.B92 - News - Politics - UNMIK remains unmoved over elections https://web.archive.org/web/20080421001138/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=04&dd=16&nav_id=49462 2008-04-21 On April 18, 2008 Joachim Ruecker, the Chief of UNMIK, said the elections would cross a "red line" if organized by Serbia.https://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/9503/ UN: Serb Kosovo Poll Would Cross a Red Line Balkan Insight 2008-04-18 2008-04-18 October 2010 H3llBot The International Steering Group for Kosovo has expressed its support for the UNMIK position saying it opposes the "institutional separation by ethnic lines" in Kosovo.http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=04&dd=17&nav_id=49518 ISG opposes elections in Kosovo B92 2008-04-17 2008-04-17 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080420022756/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=04&dd=17&nav_id=49518 2008-04-20 Kosovo's Assembly adopted a statement condemning Serbia's plans to hold local elections in Kosovo and showing support for the position taken by UNMIK and President Fatmir Sejdiu.http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/9771/ Kosovo Assembly Condemns Serb Local Polls Balkan Insight 2008-04-30 2008-05-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080506093803/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/9771/ 2008-05-06 dead However, Kosovo police authorities have said they would not interrupt voting to prevent local elections.http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/9845/ Kosovo Officials 'Won't Stop Serb Polls' Balkan Insight 2008-05-02 2008-05-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080506150620/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/9845/ 2008-05-06 dead UNMIK declared the local Serb elections held in Kosovo in May 2008 null and void. Kosovo Under UNSCR 1244/99 2008 Progress Report European Commission 6 November 5, 2008 http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/press_corner/key-documents/reports_nov_2008/kosovo_progress_report_en.pdf Kosovo Serb Institutions Marko Jakšić, a Kosovo Serb political leader and ally of then-Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica, said Kosovo Serbs would form their own assembly following the elections. He argued that the Kosovo Assembly was dominated by "Albanian puppets" who would not work in the interest of the Serb minority.http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1768774 Kosovo Serbs to seek own assembly Television New Zealand 2008-05-07 2008-05-08 Following the elections Samardžić outlined the makeup of the Kosovo Serb institutions consisting of municipal assemblies and executive councils. According to Samardžić municipal governments will act in keeping with the Serbian constitution and resolve all problems independently or in agreement with Belgrade.http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=05&dd=19&nav_id=50370 Samardžić on Kosovo vote, denies partition B92 2008-05-19 2008-05-20 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080520185641/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=05&dd=19&nav_id=50370 2008-05-20 UNMIK officials have said they will continue working with appointed Serb leaders declaring the local elections "illegal" and pledging not to negotiate with the elected officials.https://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/10170/ https://archive.today/20120729145432/https://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/10170/ dead 2012-07-29 UN Bans 'Illegal Kosovo Serb Politicians' Balkan Insight 2008-05-14 2008-05-14 Yves de Kermabon, head of the EULEX mission to Kosovo, said he was "willing to talk to everybody" including officials elected on May 11, stressing that he would go to Northern Kosovo as soon as he found people there willing to talk. Kermabon said his reason was that he does not want the EU to be "forcibly deployed" there.http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=05&dd=21&nav_id=50413 EULEX: Solution via dialogue B92 2008-05-21 2008-05-21 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110607023629/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=05&dd=21&nav_id=50413 2011-06-07 The mayor of Mitrovica condemned the formation of a parallel municipal assembly in North Mitrovica by Serbs following the election saying the institution was "illegal" as well as the elections.http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/10823/ Kosovo Mayor Slams Serb Parallel Council Balkan Insight 2008-06-06 2008-06-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20080608233844/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/10823/ 2008-06-08 dead On June 13, 2008 a parallel assembly with 30 members, the majority from the Serbian Radical Party, was formed for Pristina with the first session being held in a warehouse due to a lack of space. Radovan Nicic was elected president of the municipality by the assembly. Another assembly was formed in Obilic north of Pristina the same morning.https://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/11009/ Kosovo Serbs Form 'Illegal' Assemblies Balkan Insight 2008-06-13 2008-06-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20080618145300/http://balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/11009/ 2008-06-18 dead Serbian parties (SRS, DSS, SPS, NS and DS) agreed to form a parliament for Kosovo Serbs including 45 delegates, 43 from the local assemblies and two seats reserved for Romani and Muslims.http://eyugoslavia.com/kosovo/07/kosovo-serbs-provisional-parliament-will-be-formed-by-june-15-22358/ Kosovo Serbs' Provisional Parliament Will Be Formed By June 15 eYugoslavia 2008-06-07 2008-06-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20080608061812/http://eyugoslavia.com/kosovo/07/kosovo-serbs-provisional-parliament-will-be-formed-by-june-15-22358/ 2008-06-08 dead Slobodan Samardžić announced that the Kosovo Serb assembly would be formed on June 28. He said the body would be representative not executive.https://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/11002/ Belgrade to Form Serb Assembly in Kosovo Balkan Insight 2008-06-13 2008-06-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20080614225101/http://balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/11002/ 2008-06-14 dead The parliament shall only be transitional before direct elections.June 2008 The parliament was officially scheduled on 16 June 2008 to be held in Priština on 28 June 2008, symbolically on Saint Vitus' Day. Its official name shall be The Assembly of the Community of Municipalities of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohia. The parliamentary majority has been formed by the Democratic Party of Serbia, Serbian Radical Party, Socialist Party of Serbia and Civic Initiative of Gora. The opposition Democratic Party supports its constitution, but will for now boycott it. The cause of restoration of parliamentarism since 1999 was specifically stated as a reaction to the recently put in act Constitution of Kosovo and will only officialize the two separate systems which were already in act for years. It is pointed out that it is the representative body of Kosovar citizens loyal to the Republic of Serbia. Results January 2022 The turnout of registered voters was at 57%. Serbian Radical Party came first in 15 municipalities, the DSS has the most councilors in six, as well as various citizens' lists. The Radicals and DSS formed a coalition in the Assembly of the Community of Municipalities of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. In the predominantly Serb communities of northern Kosovska Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zubin Potok, and Zvečan, the elected assemblies were able to form de facto municipal governments. In several municipalities, the assemblies could not convene in their own communities and instead met in Central Serbia. Kosovska Mitrovica District Kosovska Mitrovica Serbian Radical Party–Tomislav Nikolić 11 Democratic Party of Serbia–New Serbia–Vojislav Koštunica 9 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 6 Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia–Strength of Serbia Movement–Ivica Dačić 2 Movement for Kosovska Mitrovica–Spasojević Dragan 2 G17 Plus–Zoran Katanić - 30 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. The Radical Party and the Democratic Party of Serbia–New Serbia alliance formed a governing coalition following the election."Mitrovica: podela vlasti kao u Beogradu", Radio Slobodna Evropa, 29 May 2008, accessed 23 January 2022. Nenad Topličević of the Radical Party was chosen as mayor."Pripreme za privremenu skupštinu", Danas, 7 June 2008, accessed 23 January 2022. The Serbian government dissolved the local government on 24 December 2009, and Ivica Mirković of the Democratic Party was appointed as head of an interim leadership."Serbia's interim body replaces heads of public companies in divided Kosovo town," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 21 January 2010 (Source: Text of report by Kosovska Mitrovica-based Serbian-language Kontakt Plus radio). Leposavić Serbian Radical Party–Tomislav Nikolić 10 Democratic Party of Serbia–Vojislav Koštunica 8 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 4 Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia 3 Serbian National Council of Northern Kosmet for Leposavić–Dr. Milan Ivanović 2 New Serbia–Petar Biševac 2 Movement for Lešak and its Environs 2 G17 Plus–Nebojša Kostović - Serbian Renewal Movement–Miloš Petrović - Citizens' Group: Koreni–Ivan Vučković - 31 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Vlastimir Ratković of the Radical Party was chosen as mayor after the election.Jelena Tasić, "Demokrate biraju radikale ili narodnjake", Danas, 25 September 2008, accessed 23 January 2022. All ten of the Radical Party's delegates joined the breakaway Serbian Progressive Party on its formation in October 2008. A subsequent ruling of the Kosovska Mitrovica district court invalidated the Progressive Party's mandates, thereby allowing other Radical Party delegates to be appointed in their place. A new administration was then formed with Jovan Miladinović of the Radicals serving as mayor.Leposavić/Leposaviq Municipal Profile, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, September 2009, accessed 24 March 2024. The local administration remained unstable, and the Serbian government dissolved the municipal assembly in July 2009, after which time Branko Ninić of the Democratic Party became the leader of a provisional council."Kosovo Serb town rejects town council dissolution by Serbian government," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 13 July 2009 (Source: Radio Belgrade in Serbian 1300 gmt 13 Jul 09). Srbica Unanimously for Srbica 20 20 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Dejan Tomašević of the Movement for Srbica (one of the parties in the "Unanimously for Srbica" coalition) was chosen as mayor after the election."Kosovo: Serbs form municipal parallel structures in Srbica," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 15 July 2008 (Source: KosovoLive website, Priština, in English 15 Jul 08). He continued as leader of the parallel government until 2013."Porušeni spomenici i u Suvom Grlu kod Srbice", Radio KiM, 21 January 2013, accessed 23 January 2022. Vučitrn Serbian Radical Party–Tomislav Nikolić 16 Democratic Party of Serbia–Vojislav Koštunica 8 Democratic Party–G17 Plus–Boris Tadić 4 New Serbia–Velimir Ilić 4 Socialist Party of Serbia–Ivica Dačić 3 35 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Zoran Rakić of the Radical Party was chosen as mayor of the parallel government after the election."Meštani Prilužja i Plemetine protestvovali zbog struje", Radio KiM, 22 February 2009, accessed 23 January 2022."Ima neka tajna veza", Vreme, 24 July 2013, accessed 23 January 2022. Zubin Potok Democratic Party of Serbia–Vojislav Koštunica 19 Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia, Ivica Dačić 9 Serbian Radical Party–Tomislav Nikolić 3 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić - 31 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Incumbent mayor Slaviša Ristić of the Democratic Party of Serbia continued in office after the election.Председништво, https://web.archive.org/web/20160814063724/http://www.dss.rs/predsednistvo/ 2016-08-14, Democratic Party of Serbia, 14 August 2016, accessed 11 January 2022. Zvečan Serbian Radical Party–Tomislav Nikolić 9 Democratic Party of Serbia–Vojislav Koštunica 8 Serbian National Council of Northern Kosmet–Dr. Milan Ivanović 4 Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia–Miodrag Acić 3 G17 Plus–Stojanka Petković 2 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 1 Strength of Serbia Movement–Milentije Perović - Serbian Renewal Movement–Radomir Janićijević - New Serbia–Nebojša Gvozdić - 31 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Incumbent mayor Dragiša Milović of the Democratic Party of Serbia continued in office after the election."Kosovo Serb mayor allows four Albanian families to resume homes reconstruction," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 9 September 2009 (Source: Text of report by public Radio-Television Kosovo TV on 9 September). Peć District Peć Democratic Party of Serbia–New Serbia–Vojislav Koštunica 22 Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS)–Strength of Serbia Movement (PSS)–Miloš Dimitrijević 15 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 6 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Radojko Dunić of the Democratic Party of Serbia was chosen as mayor after the election, at a meeting that was boycotted by the Socialist Party of Serbia–Strength of Serbia Movement coalition and the Democratic Party. The opposition parties later claimed a majority in the local assembly, and in 2009 the assembly was dissolved for a new election. Snežana Paunović was one of the Socialist Party delegates elected in 2008."Peć: Zbog neslaganja odborničkih grupa blokiran rad Skupštine opštine", https://web.archive.org/web/20080831085338/http://www.radiokim.net/Pec-Zbog-neslaganja-odbornickih-grupa-blokiran-rad-Skupstine-opstine-3415-vest.htm 2008-08-31 , radiokim.net, 29 August 2008, accessed 5 February 2024. Dečani Democratic Party of Serbia–Zoran Barović 20 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Zoran Barović of the Democratic Party of Serbia was chosen as mayor after the election."Incident u Dečanima", B92, 3 September 2008, accessed 5 February 2024. The assembly was dissolved in June 2010. Đakovica Citizens' Group: Đokica Stanojević 20 Socialist Party of Serbia–Ivica Dačić 13 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Đokica Stanojević was chosen as mayor after the election."Srbi na Zadušnice obišli groblja širom Kosova i Metohije", Radio Television of Vojvodina, 6 June 2009, accessed 5 February 2024. The assembly was dissolved in June 2010. Istok Serbian Radical Party–Tomislav Nikolić 17 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 5 Democratic Party of Serbia–Gojko Đurić 5 Socialist Party of Serbia–Vukomir Đurić 3 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Dragoljub Repanović of the Serbian Radical Party was chosen as mayor after the election. The Serbian government extended his term in 2012, and he served until 2013."Ivanović: Neće biti lokalnih izbora", 021.rs, 19 April 2012, accessed 5 February 2024. Klina Democratic Party of Serbia–Sveto Dabižljević 9 Socialist Party of Serbia–Ivica Dačić 8 Metohija–Dragomir Pavlović 5 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 3 Информације о одржаним седницама 2008. године – 15. мај 2008. године, Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Sveto Dabižljević of the Democratic Party of Serbia was chosen as mayor after the election. The assembly was dissolved in June 2010."Protest rukovodstava raspuštenih opština sa Kosova", Radio Television of Vojvodina, 24 June 2010, accessed 5 February 2024. Subsequent developments New elections in 2009 The Serbian government oversaw new local elections in Peć and Priština on 16 August 2009 and in Leposavić on 29 November 2009. Peć (16 August 2009) Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia–United Serbia–Ivica Dačić 667 15 Serbian Progressive Party–Tomislav Nikolić 410 9 Democratic Party of Serbia–New Serbia–Dr. Vojislav Koštunica 378 8 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 271 6 Social Democratic Party of Serbia–Dejan Jovanović 242 5 Serbian Radical Party–Dr. Vojislav Šešelj 95 - 43 2063 Информације о одржаним седницама 2009. године (page 2), Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Miloš Dimitrijević of the Socialist Party of Serbia became mayor after the election."Smenjen predsednik Privremenog organa za Peć Miloš Dimitijević", Goraždevac, 1 February 2023, accessed 5 February 2024. Priština (16 August 2009) Serbian Progressive Party–Tomislav Nikolić 1677 16 Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia–United Serbia–Citizens' Group: Vidodvan–Ivica Dačić 1016 10 Serbian Radical Party–Dr. Vojislav Šešelj 777 7 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 756 7 Citizens' Group: Opstanak–Prof. Dr. Miroslav Popović 482 4 Democratic Party of Serbia–Dr. Vojislav Koštunica 322 3 47 5030 Информације о одржаним седницама 2009. године (page 2), Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Leposavić (29 November 2009) Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 2745 12 Serbian Progressive Party–Tomislav Nikolić 1540 7 Democratic Party of Serbia–Dr. Vojislav Koštunica 1038 4 Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia–United Serbia–Ivica Dačić 916 4 New Serbia–Velimir Ilić 485 2 Serbian Radical Party–Dr. Vojislav Šešelj 448 2 G17 Plus–Mlađan Dinkić 394 - Movement for Lešak and its Environs 258 - Citizens' Group: Koreni 168 - People's Party–Maja Gojković 166 - Veterans' Party of Serbia–Raško Milenković 48 - 31 8206 Информације о одржаним седницама 2009. годинее (page 3), Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 23 January 2022. Branko Ninić of the Democratic Party, who had previously served as the leader of a provisional council, was confirmed for a new term as mayor. He served until July 2012, when he was replaced by Dragiša Vasić of the Serbian Progressive Party."SNS preuzeo vlast u Leposaviću", B92, 7 July 2012, accessed 23 January 2022. New elections in 2010 The Serbian government dissolved the local authorities of Kosovska Mitrovica and Novo Brdo on 24 December 2009 and held new elections on 30 May 2010."Serbs in northern Kosovo go to polls in Serbian-sponsored election," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 20 May 2010 (Source: Text of report in English by Serbian pro-western Belgrade-based Radio B92 website, on 30 May). Kosovska Mitrovica (30 May 2010) Serbian Progressive Party–Tomislav Nikolić 1104 7 Democratic Party of Serbia–Dr. Vojislav Koštunica 1085 7 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 1065 6 Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia–United Serbia–Ivica Dačić 554 3 Citizens' Group: Serbia, Democracy, Justice–Oliver Ivanović 461 3 G17 Plus–Mlađan Dinkić 442 2 Social Democratic Party of Serbia–Rasim Ljajić 319 2 Movement for Kosovska Mitrovica–Dragan Spasojević - Citizens' Group: For a Better Future of Mitrovica - New Serbia–Velimir Ilić - Serbian Radical Party–Dr. Vojislav Šešelj - Citizens' Group: Serbian National Council of Northern Kosovo and Metohija–Dr. Milan Ivanović - Citizens' Group: New Hope for Kosovska Mitrovica - 30 Информације о одржаним седницама 2010. године (Page 2), Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Ivica Mirković of the Democratic Party was chosen as mayor in July 2010."Ivica Mirković novi predsednik opštine Kosovska Mitrovica", Radio Television of Vojvodina, 26 July 2010, accessed 23 January 2022. He was replaced by Krstimir Pantić of the Progressives in October of the same year, after Pantić's party formed an alliance with the Democratic Party of Serbia."Democrats lose majority in K. Mitrovica", B92, 25 October 2010, accessed 7 September 2020. Pantić resigned in March 2013 and was replaced by Dragiša Vlašković, also of the Progressives."Kosovska Mitrovica: Dragiša Vlašković novi predsednik opštine", Radio Television of Vojvodina, 5 March 2013, accessed 23 January 2022. Novo Brdo (30 May 2010) Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia–United Serbia–Ivica Dačić 479 14 Democratic Party–Boris Tadić 275 8 Serbian Progressive Party–Tomislav Nikolić 235 6 Democratic Party of Serbia–Dr. Vojislav Koštunica 58 1 30 1047 Информације о одржаним седницама 2010. године (Page 2), Republika Srbija - Republička izborna komisija, accessed 26 April 2017. Dissolution of seven local authorities in June 2010 The Serbian government dissolved the authorities of Dečani, Đakovica, Klina, Podujevo, Prizren, Suva Reka, and Uroševac on 17 June 2010, charging that they had become dysfunctional and inefficient."Minister says inefficient Kosovo municipalities relocated to Serbia dissolved," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 18 June 2010 (Source: TV Pink, Belgrade, in Serbian, 1730 gmt 17 Jun 10)."Kosovo Serb body slams Serbia over dissolution of municipal assemblies," British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 22 June 2010 (Source: Danas website, Belgrade, in Serbian, 18 Jun 10). On 28 June 2010, the government appointed new coordinators for these municipalities:"Serbian [sic] appoints coordinators for relocated Kosovo municipal administrations", British Broadcasting Corporation Monitoring European, 28 June 2010 (Source: FoNet news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 0909gmt 28 Jun 10). Dečani: Snežana Paunović Đakovica: Đokica Stanojević Klina: Milivoje Ribać Podujevo: Darko Radovanović Prizren: Zoran Poskočević Suva Reka: Milan Mihajlović Uroševac: Milan Janjić All of the coordinators served until May 2013.68. sednica Vlade Republike Srbije, 20. maj 2013. godine, Otvorena Vlada, 20 May 2013, accessed 7 February 2024. Unauthorized elections in 2012 The predominantly Serb municipalities of Zubin Potok and Zvečan organized local elections on 6 May 2012, on the grounds that the terms of assemblies elected in 2008 were set to expire.It was unnecessary to organize elections in the neighbouring communities of Kosovska Mitrovica and Leposavić, as elections had been held in those communities after 2008. See L. Valtner, "Neće biti izbora u Mitrovici i Leposaviću", Danas, 4 March 2012, accessed 23 January 2022. The broader diplomatic situation had changed by this time, and the elections were not recognized as legitimate by the Government of Serbia, the Government of Kosovo, or the international community."Zubin Potok i Zvečan: Izborni procesi u punom jeku", Radio Television of Vojvodina, 24 April 2012, accessed 23 January 2022. Following the elections, Oliver Ivanović (at the time a secretary of state in Serbia's ministry for Kosovo and Metohija) indicated that provisional governing councils would be established in both municipalities."DSS: Važni izbori na Kosovu", Radio Television of Serbia, 9 May 2012, accessed 23 January 2022. Despite the objections from Belgrade, however, new municipal assemblies were constituted in both communities on 30 May 2012."Konstitutivne sednice opština Zvečan i Zubin Potok", Radio KiM, 30 May 2012, accessed 23 January 2022. While the Serbian government never formally recognized the legitimacy of the 2012 elections in these municipalities, they did not overturn the local governing authorities until the more general restructuring of state institutions that followed the 2013 Brussels Agreement. Zubin Potok Democratic Party of Serbia 2893 63.5 21 Serbian Radical Party 822 27.6 9 United Regions of Serbia 5.7 1 31 "Konstituisane SO Zvečan i Zubin Potok", Radio Television of Serbia, 30 May 2012, accessed 23 January 2022."Izbori 2012: Rezultati i postizborna trgovina", Vreme, undated (2012), accessed 23 January 2022."LOKALNI IZBORI - DSS ubedljiv u Zvečanu i Zubinom Potoku", Vesti online, 7 May 2012, accessed 23 January 2022. Incumbent mayor Slaviša Ristić of the Democratic Party of Serbia continued in office after the election. Zvečan Democratic Party of Serbia–Vojislav Koštunica 1367 10 Stojanka Petković–For Zvečan in Serbia–United Regions of Serbia 1023 United Regions of Serbia 7 Socialist Party of Serbia–Party of United Pensioners of Serbia–Miodrag Acić 556 4 Serbian National Council of Northern Kosovo and Metohija–Dr. Milan Ivanović for Zvečan 516 3 Serbian Radical Party–Dr. Aleksandar Martinović 394 3 27 3856 Коначни резулатати избора ѕа одборнике Скупштине општине Звечан, https://web.archive.org/web/20120606232950/http://www.opstinazvecan.rs/ 2012-06-06, Municipality of Zvečan, 9 May 2012, accessed 23 January 2022. Incumbent mayor Dragiša Milović of the Democratic Party of Serbia was confirmed for another term in office after the election. All lists except the United Regions of Serbia participated in the local government.Коначни резулатати избора ѕа одборнике Скупштине општине Звечан, https://web.archive.org/web/20120814131818/http://www.opstinazvecan.rs/ 2012-08-14, Municipality of Zvečan, 12 June 2012, accessed 23 January 2022. 2013 Brussels Deal and after As part of the 2013 Brussels deal all aspects of this election were repudiated and invalidated by Serbia. Serbian provisional authorities Kosovska Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zvečan, and Zubin Potok The Serbian government formally dissolved the parallel local assemblies of Kosovska Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zubin Potok, and Zvečan in September 2013. The following individuals were appointed to lead provisional authorities in these municipalities: Dragan Jablanović (Movement of Socialists, Leposavić) Krstimir Pantić (Serbian Progressive Party, Kosovska Mitrovica) Dragan Nedeljković (Zvečan) Stevan Vulović (Socialist Party of Serbia, Zubin Potok)"Privremeni organi vlasti na severu Kosova", Radio Television of Serbia, 12 September 2013, accessed 1 February 2022. The Serbian government has continued to recognize these provisional authorities since 2013, and their authority has existed in parallel to the authority of mayors and councillors recognized by Priština. (The Serbian government began encouraging Kosovo Serbs to participate in the political structures overseen by Priština in 2013 while also maintaining the provisional authorities. In late 2022, the Serbian government and the Serb List began boycotting the Priština institutions against the backdrop of an ongoing crisis in North Kosovo.) The Serbian provisional authority in Mitrovica holds de facto authority only in the northern part of the city, which is recognized by the Priština authorities as North Mitrovica. Personnel changes since 2013: On 25 January 2014, Krstimir Pantić was succeeded as leader of the provisional authority in Kosovska Mitrovica by Aleksandar Spirić."Aleksandar Spirić predsednik Privremenog organa u Mitrovici", Blic, 25 January 2014, accessed 1 February 2022. On 30 September 2015, Dragan Nedeljković was succeeded as leader of the provisional authority in Zvečan by Ivan Todosijević."Privremeni organ opštine Zvečan dobio novog predsednika; KM novog člana", Kosovo Sever portal, 30 September 2015, accessed 1 February 2022. On 6 October 2015, Dragan Jablanović was succeeded as leader of the provisional authority in Leposavić by Zoran Todić."Zoran Todić novi predsednik Privremenog organa Leposavića; Vlada razrešila Jablanovića", Kosovo Sever portal, 6 October 2015, accessed 1 February 2022. In late 2018, Steven Vulović resigned as leader of the provisional authority in Zubin Potok and was replaced by Srđan Vulović.Dejan Spalović, "Ugasio sam sve kosovske institucije u Zubinom Potoku", Politika, 2 December 2018, accessed 1 February 2022."Milan Ivanović: Olivera Ivanovića nije ubio niko sa Severa, oslobodite uhapšene", Kosovo Sever portal, 4 December 2018, accessed 1 February 2022. On 20 October 2023, Aleksandar Spirić was succeeded as leader of the provisional authority in Kosovska Mitrovica by Ivan Zaporožac."Ivan Zaporožac has been named the new head of the Kosovska Mitrovica PA, Spirić dismissed ‘at his personal request'", Kosovo Sever portal, 23 October 2023, accessed 5 February 2024. Other municipalities The Serbian government has also appointed provisional authorities in other municipalities, although these do not have the same de facto governing powers as in the four predominantly Serb municipalities in the north. Other leaders of provisional governing bodies since 2013 include: Dečani: Vuko Vuković (2013?–2021); Darko Kolašinac (2021–2023); Zoran Maksimović (2023–present)"Атак на Високе Дечане наставак терора над косметским Србима", in4s.net, 14 October 2014, accessed 5 February 2024."Kadriranje u PO: Iz Srbice u Zvečan, Lipljana u Štimlje, Štimlja u Lipljan, Kačanika u Dečane, K.Polja u Glogovac, Glogovca u K.Polje", Kosovo Sever portal, 22 December 2021, accessed 5 February 2024."Kadriranje u ustanovama na KiM – Biljana Vukićević nova članica Saveta FTN u Mitrovici", Kontakt Plus, 17 May 2023, accessed 5 February 2024. Đakovica: Kosta Belošević (2013–2020); Milenko Jovanović (2020–present)Председник Привременог органа општине Исток, osojane.rs, accessed 5 February 2024."Serbs come under attack on Christmas Eve", B92, 6 January 2014, accessed 5 February 2024."Kadrovske promene u Privremenim organima opština sa KiM", Kosovo Sever portal, 5 March 2020, accessed 5 February 2024. Istok: Mališa Đurić (2013–2021); Kosta Belošević (2021–present)"Potvrđeno - Vlada Srbije raspustila 12 srpskih opština na KiM", Nova srpska politička misao, 31 May 2013, accessed 1 February 2022."Kosta Belošević imenovan za predsednika Privremenog organa za opštinu Istok", Goraždevac, 6 November 2021, accessed 5 February 2024.Председник Привременог органа општине Исток, osojane.rs, accessed 5 February 2024. Klina: Stojan Dončić (2013–2015); Božidar Šarković (2015–2020); Vlado Šmigić (2020); Božidar Šarković (2020); Vesna Pešić (acting 2020–2021; 2021–present)"Pucano na kuću srpskih povratnika u opštini Klina", Blic, 30 August 2013, accessed 5 February 2024."Međusobne optužbe za korupciju u opštini Klina", New Press Produkcija, 26 January 2016, accessed 5 February 2024."Kadrovske promene u Privremenim organima opština sa KiM", Kosovo Sever portal, 5 March 2020, accessed 5 February 2024."Srbin povratnik u selu kod Kline fizički napadnut i povređen", Kosovo Online, 27 May 2020, accessed 5 February 2024."Pešići su među poslednjim srpskim porodicama u Klini: Albanci im kuću zasipali kamenjem dok su se deca tresla", Telegraf, 16 October 2023, accessed 5 February 2024. Peć: Miloš Dimitrijević (2013–2023); Darko Kolašinac (2023–present)"Smenjen predsednik Privremenog organa za Peć Miloš Dimitijević", Goraždevac, 1 February 2023, accessed 5 February 2024."Darko Kolašinac preuzeo dužnost predsednika Privremenog organa Opštine Peć", Kosovo Online, 4 May 2023, accessed 5 February 2024. Srbica: Milomir Jokić (2013–2017?); Rajko Tomašević (2021); Vasilije Tomašević (2021–present)"Đurić obećao podršku Srbima iz opštine Srbica", Radio Television of Serbia, 13 July 2016, accessed 1 February 2022."Miloš Kovačević, prvi Srbin u utrci za odbornika u Skenderaju", Al-Jazeera, 20 October 2017, accessed 1 February 2022.Кадровска решења у 2021. години – 40. седница Владе Републике Србије, 18. март 2021. године, Government of the Republic of Serbia, accessed 1 February 2022."Milan Kostić imenovan za predsednika PO Vučitrn, imenovan i novi – stari predsednik u PO Srbica", Kosovo Sever portal, 25 March 2021, accessed 1 February 2022."Kadriranje u PO: Iz Srbice u Zvečan, Lipljana u Štimlje, Štimlja u Lipljan, Kačanika u Dečane, K.Polja u Glogovac, Glogovca u K.Polje", Kosovo Sever portal, 22 December 2021, accessed 1 February 2022. Vučitrn: Desimir Miljković (2013–2016), Aleksandar Mišić Aca (2016–2021), Milan Kostić (2021–present)Mirjana Marinković, "PRILUŽJE, NOVA OPŠTINA NA KOSOVU SA SRPSKOM VEĆINOM?", RTK Live, 27 February 2016, accessed 1 February 2022. References 2008 Category:2008 in Kosovo Category:2008 in politics Category:May 2008 in Europe