The repeat municipal elections in Kosovo’s northern province of Mitrovica have passed smoothly, but turnout is reported to be quite low.

There was heightened security, with Kosovo Police, EULEX, and KFOR forces guarding polling stations, which were attacked by masked men 2 weeks ago, said Balkaninsight. The act was condemned by the international community and a partial repeat of the elections was called.

Turnout was considerably low, at 22.38% by 7 PM local time.

Some ethnic Serbs from the region reported to have been pressured into voting for the candidate supported by Belgrade, in order to maintain influence in northern Kosovo. They were either ordered to do so by their bosses at work or offered financial and food aid in exchange for their vote.

The municipal elections were seen as a key test to the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade, after the two governments signed an EU-brokered deal.

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