The necessity to initiate a wide and structured debate over the internal functioning of political parties was the theme of today’s roundtable of Kosovo Democratic Institute.  It was discussed whether a law on political parties would help in setting the minimal criteria of internal democracy functioning, that of political parties in Kosovo, comparing to other institutions are considered the least trusted ones.

In this regard, during this event, KDI published a discussion paper entitled “Review of practices of law for political parties”.

In opening remarks, the executive director of KDI, Ismet Kryeziu, stressed that the internal democracy of political parties is not well consolidated, and the legal aspects of addressing internal disputes, statute of political parties and many other issues are not well defined, stressing the need for a law that addresses these issues.

Whereas, Alexander Chavarria, resident director of NDI, as a panelist on this roundtable, spoke about the need to have a Law on Political Parties. He assessed that Kosovo has a need of a law on political parties. According to him, it is necessary for Kosovo to start discussion about a such a law, as it is a legal instrument that regulates what a political party can and cannot do, starting from regulations, statute, composition, dispute settlement, finances and other political activities. He also added that a law on political parties would set limits on how the political parties would be govern as organizations.

Among others, Mr. Chavarria stressed that such a law would define standards, the minimal criteria, in a way that each political party understands how it should function. Meanwhile, he has advised not to rush the composition of such a law, there should be a consensus among parties, and this law should treat with caution especially the aspect of accountability.

Fitim Mulolli resident director of WFD, said that currently the issue of political parties in Kosovo is regulated by several of laws and international conventions that, according to him, it would be best if all these provisions are summarized in one single law. If it is decided that such a law shall be drafted, he said, that all contributing parties should be careful what they include in it. Mulolli’s assessment is that a such a law must consider four principles: democracy, rule of law, transparency and building ideological profile.

 

Meanwhile, Albert Krasniqi from KDI, the author of the paper “Review of practices of the law on political parties”, during his presentation stressed out that this study brings to light the practices of regulation of political parties in all countries of the world, and the need for a broader and more structured debate with the participation of all stakeholders.

Part of this debate were also representatives from political parties and national and international NGO’s, who expressed their views on the need to have such a law.