Three days before the parliamentary elections in Kosovo, the Raška-Prizren Diocese issued a public appeal, encouraging citizens to participate in large numbers. While the Church emphasized that it cannot interfere with individual electoral choices, it expressed confidence that voters will recognize and support candidates who have demonstrated integrity and a commitment to the community’s core values.
The Diocese specifically urged voters to back those who have contributed to protecting fundamental human and religious rights, as well as the sacred heritage of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC). Additionally, the appeal highlighted key interests of the Serbian community, including ensuring reliable healthcare and quality education.
The first regular parliamentary elections in Kosovo will be held on Sunday, February 9. Six Serbian political entities are competing for 10 parliamentary seats: the Serbian Democracy Party, Serbian List, Civic Initiative for People’s Justice, Party for Freedom, Justice and Survival, Serbian National Movement, and the Serbian Party of Kosovo. Together, these parties have fielded a total of 104 candidates.
In the final days of the campaign, Metropolitan Teodosije of the Raška-Prizren Diocese issued a statement calling on the Serbian community to participate in the elections and to ensure that the process unfolds in an orderly, peaceful, and democratic manner.
„Above all, it is essential that the elections on Sunday, February 9, take place in peace and dignity. It is a time for everyone to rise above divisions and choose those who can best represent the will of our people,“ said Metropolitan Teodosije.
„In this context, it is crucial that as many eligible voters as possible participate, ensuring that the Serbian community in Kosovo and Metohija preserves its fundamental rights and interests, improving the quality of life for current and future generations.“
The Metropolitan emphasized the importance of unity for the Serbian people, especially during challenging times.
„Despite existing differences, it is vital that on Sunday, we demonstrate unity around our key interests,“ he added.
According to him, these interests primarily involve ensuring the survival and safety of the Serbian community in Kosovo, fostering its economic progress, and protecting SOC holy sites along with the broader spiritual and cultural heritage.
He also underlined the importance of adequate healthcare and education: „Providing reliable healthcare in our communities and ensuring education that preserves our language, culture, and values that have sustained us for centuries is crucial,“ he said.
While reiterating that the Church cannot influence electoral choices, Metropolitan Teodosije expressed confidence in the people’s ability to recognize the candidates who contributed to the efforts and work of the Diocese.
„We firmly believe that our people in Kosovo and Metohija will identify those who enjoy the highest trust, possess moral integrity, and have consistently contributed to the efforts and work of the Raška-Prizren Diocese in safeguarding basic human and religious rights, as well as the holy sites of our Church,“ he concluded.
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