Introduction

Kosovo’s declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, launched a new phase of democratic development in this breakaway province of Serbia, placing a larger onus of responsibility on its domestic governing institutions. Despite Serbian and Russian opposition to independence, a European Union-led police and civilian mission has largely replaced the United Nations’ (UN) administration in Kosovo, tasked with supervising the fledgling country’s development and ensuring the protection of its ethnic minorities. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, whose Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) received the most votes in November 2007 general elections, must now reform the government and tackle corruption while coordinating his efforts with the newly established EU mission. Although Kosovar Serbs remain isolated and fearful for their safety, a handful of nascent Serb political parties ran candidates in the last elections and, at Thaci’s invitation, their leaders occupy ministerial positions in government.

NDI’s Program in Kosovo

	Xhevdet Nejiraj, Mahir Yagcilar, and Bajram Ljatifi, members of the newly formed constitutional commission, discuss ethnic minority rights in an NDI-sponsored panel discussion on  Kosovo’s draft constitution.

Since 1999, NDI has worked in Kosovo to promote sustainable, democratic governing institutions in the wake of armed, inter-ethnic conflict. In October 2007, the Institute launched a two-year program with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development to prepare Kosovo’s political parties and parliament for a post-status environment.

Political Party Development

Kosovo’s Albanian and minority political parties have made substantial strides in developing internal structures and voter outreach techniques, but independence creates new challenges as they can no longer focus their message solely on the question of statehood. Low turnout in November 2007 elections emphasized the need for parties to develop targeted platforms that address the bread and butter issues that constituents face. NDI is working with political party leaders, women’s branches and staff to develop informed policies based on voter research and communication. Young political leaders who have graduated from NDI’s Party Training Academy recently won seats in four municipal councils and one mayoralty where they are putting their newly acquired skills into practice. Utilizing Serbian trainers for one-on-one consultations with Serb political parties on leadership and communication, NDI has become among the few recognized partners for those who want to represent the interests of Kosovar Serbs in parliament and government, rather than pursuing a boycott of Kosovo’s political institutions.

Legislative Strengthening

The Institute has assisted Kosovo’s legislative bodies since the first Assembly of Kosovo was seated in 2002. Through its office in the Assembly, the Institute helped the Speaker launch and implement two legislative reform packages that institutionalized inclusive and efficient plenary practices. The Institute has provided and trained committee staff on transparency and outreach, legislative oversight, and research. With NDI assistance, a multi-partisan group of women MPs has linked with regional counterparts to discuss best practices as they strive to promote gender equality in politics and society. Following independence, NDI is supporting efforts to increase the Assembly’s institutional capacity as it produces and administers its own budget and reaches out to constituents through bulletins, reporting and regional offices for parliamentarians.

Contact Information

For more information on NDI's program in Kosovo, please contact:

Brian Paler, Program Officer
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Carlo Binda, Resident Director

Updated March 2008