Prishtina, October 31, 2019 – Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) held today a Roundtable Discussion on the topic: “Priorities in the rule of law sector: A fresh perspective from the upcoming parliamentary legislature”, held in Prishtina. The aim of this event was to discuss the agendas and priorities of the potentially new elected MPs of the new legislature of the Republic of Kosovo, in the rule of law sector. Furthermore, the panel had the chance to discuss issues related to potential changes in legislation or policies in the judicial and prosecutorial sector, criminal justice enforcement mechanisms, anti-corruption mechanisms, and the integrity processes such as vetting of the justice system.

Ms. Haxhiu, member of Levizja Vetevendosje and former Chairperson of the Committee on Legislation was the first to address the audience. During her remarks, she put special emphasis on the need for an inclusive vetting system for the justice sector, including the police, intelligence and other security institutions. “The government should ensure that citizen trust in rule of law institutions is significantly increased. This said, a comprehensive vetting process should be one of the top priorities of the new government”, she noted. In addition, she also emphasized the important role that the Assembly of Kosovo plays in increasing the efficiency of a functioning justice system in Kosovo, and the urged for a higher involvement of the parliament in important process such as the functional review of the justice system, a process which completely excluded the assembly during the last government, according to her.

On the other hand, Mr. Zemaj, a member of Lidhja Demokratike e Kosoves (LDK) and a former MP, said that the reform of the justice sector in Kosovo should be considered as a continuous process, at should not at any circumstance ignore any process or achievement reached so far. “We should conduct an overall assessment on whether the judicial and prosecutorial councils in Kosovo are being able to guarantee an independent and impartial justice sector, and if not, identify the reasons for which both institutions are failing to do so. In this case, constitutional amendments for both bodies are mandatory”, he stated. 

During the discussion, both representatives publicly declared that the new government should seriously commit towards substantial reforms in the justice sector, with an inclusive approach including all political spectrum, experts and civil society. Similarly, they jointly agreed that the Assembly of Kosovo should play a very significant role in putting in place mechanisms that will increase their oversight role in monitoring the implementation of laws.

In addition, Mr. Demhasaj, Executive Director at Çohu, considers it of utmost importance for the new government to ensure proper mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of the overall performance of the Kosovo Judicial Council and Kosovo Prosecutorial Council. “Citizens expectations for the new government are very high, thus, the upcoming government will be challenged in ensuring proper justice sector functioning. One of the most pressing issues for the new legislature should be the Law on Financing of Political Parties”, noted. He also considers it crucial for the new government to ensure proper financial independence of rule of law sector, as well as in increasing the number of judges and prosecutors which would result in a higher efficiency, in general.

For the first time since the October 6 elections, this discussion served as an excellent opportunity to enable political parties to discuss about their agendas and further engagement in the rule of law sector. Ultimately, it served to better inform the citizens about the new legislative plan to enhance the rule of law sector.

This Roundtable Discussion was organized within the framework of the project titled: “Fostering Demand for Justice via an Informed Civil Society”, supported by the the United States Department of State through Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs – INL, and implemented by GLPS.

Panelists:

Ms. Albulena Haxhiu – Self-determination Movement (LVV)

Mr. Armend Zemaj – Kosovo Democratic League (LDK);

Mr. Arton Demhasaj – Executive Director, ÇOHU;

Ms. Arbëresha Loxha – Executive Director, GLPS.

Venue: Hotel Swiss Diamond – Mother Theresa Sqr., 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo