Distinguished Ombudsperson, representatives of the central elections commissions, members of the diaspora, dear panelists,

I would like to first thank Germin for its continuous commitment to find new, better ways to engage with the large Kosovo diaspora, a quarter of which actually resides in Switzerland, including not least with respect to their participation in the elections.

At the last parliamentary elections, we have witnessed a historical increase in the number of diaspora members seeking to cast their vote. In Switzerland, these elections have also triggered intense discussions within the diaspora and beyond.

Switzerland very much welcomes such increased mobilization which demonstrated diaspora’s willingness not only to contribute to democratic processes in Kosovo but also to be an active part of the drive for change and for reforms at stake across the country.

Unfortunately, in spite of the Central Election Commission’s efforts to speed up the process within the very tight existing deadlines, we reckon that many members of the diaspora were not able to actually cast their vote. We could not help but notice citizens’ confusion but also frustration and anger.

Whilst it is not up to us to define how the electoral system should look like in the future, Switzerland considers that the out-of-country voting system can certainly be improved and should be tackled sooner rather than later as part of long overdue electoral reforms.

The Kosovo authorities can certainly count on Switzerland’s continuous support to the consolidation of democratic processes, including with respect to electoral reforms, to the benefit of Kosovo citizens’ both at home and abroad.

We trust that all political parties will play a constructive role so as to ensure that the Kosovo diaspora members, irrespective of their political orientation or party affiliation, can exercise their fundamental civic rights.