ELECTORAL TRENDS AND INVALID VOTES IN KOSOVO 2001 – 2021 - comparative aspect

Session

Law

Description

The valid and the invalid votes in Kosovo for two decades (2001-2021) are in contradiction with each other. While we have a decrease in the participation of citizens in elections, we have an increase in invalid ballots. In the last national elections on (February 14) 2021, the number of registered voters was 1,851,927, the participation in the elections was 903,386 (48.78%), while the number of invalid ballots was 33,271 (or 3.62%). The trend of participation in the elections in the eight (8) legislatures was the highest in 2001 with 64.30% and the lowest in 2007 with 40.09%. Although the participation was low in these elections (2007), the number of invalid ballots (votes) is the highest of all election cycles with 9.02% while the lowest number of invalid ballots was in the elections for the first legislature in 2001 with 1.93%.

The purpose of the paper is to review the causes of the low participation in the elections (less than 50%) and the large number of invalid ballots. As well, we will try to answers to the questions: what factors are affecting the citizen’s non-appearance in the elections? are the ballots/votes invalid as a result of citizens not being properly informed about how they should vote or rejection of the political alternative? From the analysis of CEC publications and findings, there have been cases where voters have deliberately damaged the ballot. We can consider this as a rejection of the offer/political platform of the political subjects or the list of candidates and as disappointment for the work and engagement in the past, whether as a governing or opposition party. Consequently, this is a reason for hesitation/refusal to participate in elections or spoiling of the ballot.

In this paper qualitative and quantitative research methodology is used. The qualitative research method analyzes laws and sub-legal laws. During the analysis of the reports of the election processes of the CEC and international and local observers the comparison method and the statistical method was used

The findings of the research show that among the states of the region, Kosovo remains among the cases with the highest percentage of invalid ballots.

Keywords:

Election, Electorate, valid votes, invalid ballots, CEC

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-550-50-5

Location

UBT Kampus, Lipjan

Start Date

29-10-2022 12:00 AM

End Date

30-10-2022 12:00 AM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2022.261

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Oct 29th, 12:00 AM Oct 30th, 12:00 AM

ELECTORAL TRENDS AND INVALID VOTES IN KOSOVO 2001 – 2021 - comparative aspect

UBT Kampus, Lipjan

The valid and the invalid votes in Kosovo for two decades (2001-2021) are in contradiction with each other. While we have a decrease in the participation of citizens in elections, we have an increase in invalid ballots. In the last national elections on (February 14) 2021, the number of registered voters was 1,851,927, the participation in the elections was 903,386 (48.78%), while the number of invalid ballots was 33,271 (or 3.62%). The trend of participation in the elections in the eight (8) legislatures was the highest in 2001 with 64.30% and the lowest in 2007 with 40.09%. Although the participation was low in these elections (2007), the number of invalid ballots (votes) is the highest of all election cycles with 9.02% while the lowest number of invalid ballots was in the elections for the first legislature in 2001 with 1.93%.

The purpose of the paper is to review the causes of the low participation in the elections (less than 50%) and the large number of invalid ballots. As well, we will try to answers to the questions: what factors are affecting the citizen’s non-appearance in the elections? are the ballots/votes invalid as a result of citizens not being properly informed about how they should vote or rejection of the political alternative? From the analysis of CEC publications and findings, there have been cases where voters have deliberately damaged the ballot. We can consider this as a rejection of the offer/political platform of the political subjects or the list of candidates and as disappointment for the work and engagement in the past, whether as a governing or opposition party. Consequently, this is a reason for hesitation/refusal to participate in elections or spoiling of the ballot.

In this paper qualitative and quantitative research methodology is used. The qualitative research method analyzes laws and sub-legal laws. During the analysis of the reports of the election processes of the CEC and international and local observers the comparison method and the statistical method was used

The findings of the research show that among the states of the region, Kosovo remains among the cases with the highest percentage of invalid ballots.