Pessimism pervades poll in Kosovo

The optimism and euphoria of February 2008, when Kosovo announced its unilateral independence from Serbia, has long gone tempered by a harsh dose of reality.

Politicians are viewed with distrust and the economy is not working.

In the capital Pristina pessimism is everywhere:
“I hope things will change for the better. There has been no progress so far all we want is for things to get better to show some improvement.”

“Hopefully there will be a change because people are tired, unemployment is high, too much of corruption. I hope the politicians will change their behaviour.”

For the Serbs that remain in Kosovo, particularly in the north, there is no election, they wish to remain under Belgrade control.

“No, we will not vote because we only recognise the state of Serbia. We live here because we have to since we used to live in central Kosovo but were forced out.”

“Not even in your wildest dreams would I recognise the state of Kosovo.”

Despite Serbia agreeing to attend EU sponsored talks with Kosovo, Belgrade has urged Kosovo Serbs not to take part in the election.

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