This weekend, Kosovars head to the polling stations for the second time this year. Election-fatigue should not necessarily come as a surprise, considering the abundance of big, unrealistic promises that many by now have grown accustomed to, and have learnt to view with skepticism.

But, bearing in mind that local decision-making has substantial influence over the quality of citizens’ social and economic well-being on a daily basis, it also calls for a particularly attentive media that checks the veracity of such claims and holds elected representatives to account  as well as one that brings issues that fall outside the margins of what get defined as ‘important topics’ to public attention.

The publication today of our local elections monograph is a contribution in that regard — one that offers an in-depth and insightful look into a variety of issues that we deem important.

Through it, we offer a combination of a few different things.

On one hand, we look at what local government should provide, the blurring of responsibilities, the promises of the past and how we, as active citizens, can hold officials to account. On the other, we look at what can happen when local government fails in its duties and how this translates into the lives of citizens — those stepping up to fill the void but also the potentially drastic consequences for those who feel left behind.

To be part of the discussion: Read. Watch. Share. Engage. Vote!K

Feature image: Majlinda Hoxha / K2.0.