Kosovo Municipalities Condemn CEC’s New Payroll Demands
The Association of Kosovo Municipalities (AKK) has voiced strong opposition to the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) recent policy requiring municipalities to cover the costs of support staff involved in electoral processes. Mayor Sazan Ibrahimi of the Municipality of Skopje, speaking on behalf of the AKK, described the move as an unjustified transfer of financial burdens and a direct challenge to municipal budgets. Ibrahim stated that municipalities are already operating under considerable financial strain, and this new requirement exacerbates the situation.
He highlighted a key concern: the CEC’s failure to fulfill payment obligations for similar staff during previous elections. The AKK maintains that the organization and financial management of elections are solely the responsibility of the CEC. The association formally requested an immediate cessation of the practice and a commitment from the CEC to assume all associated financial obligations.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between the central and local levels regarding the administration of Kosovo’s electoral system. The AKK’s stance reflects a broader concern among municipalities regarding their autonomy and financial stability within the electoral process.
Topics: #municipalities #ibrahimi #akk
