Public meetings on Kosovo’s new constitution

“CONSTITUTION OF KOSOVO SETS THE FOUNDATION FOR A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY”

Members of the Constitutional Commission informed citizens in every Kosovo town about the new draft constitution of their country through 42 public meetings held in January, February and March. The meetings, organized by ATRC, were conducted in two phases aiming to inform the public about the constitution-drafting process and continue with the discussion of its content and get feedback from citizens themselves.

Lirije Osmani and Fatmir Fehmiu, Members of the
Draft Constitution and Flora Durmishi, Moderator at
Draft Constitution Debate in Gjakova.

"The Commission’s goal has been to prepare a document that reflects the highest international standards, provides protection of rights of all Kosovans and sets forth the basis for a democratic society based on rule of law. Citizens’ contributions to this process have moved the commission closer to achieving this goal,” Hajredin Kuci, chairperson of the Constitutional Commission, stated.  

Information about the process
In January and early February, ATRC organized public meetings in 19 towns in all Kosovo regions to provide members of the public with the opportunity to be informed and have access to up to date and accurate information on the constitution process and its importance.

The first phase meetings provided information on what is a constitution, how are human rights enshrined in constitutions, how do constitutions protect the rights of communities, why is the separation of powers of the government important and how can it be addressed through a constitution, what does “rule of law” refer to and how can it become incorporated into a constitution, what is the role and mandate of the constitutional commission … 

Public participation on the constitution-drafting
After the Commission published the draft-constitution on February 17, a Kosovo wide discussion of its content followed through public meetings in 23 towns.
“This constitution has three historical missions. First it is a constitutive constitution since it is founding the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state. Its second mission lies on the implementation of international standards as defined by Ahtisaari’s proposal, and thirdly it traces the path towards a functional state based on republicanism and separation of powers”, Arsim Bajrami, member of the Commission, stressed on February 21.   

Public participants on the constitution drafting,
organized by ATRC

The second phase aimed to involve public participation on the constitution-drafting which made participants’ concerns heard and enabled them to comment on the draft constitution related issues. Key concerns raised by participants focused on sovereignty of the Kosovo state, election of the President, future defense forces of Kosovo, official language of Kosovo, definition of Kosovo’s subterraneous wealth, undefined border issue with Macedonia, etc. 
Copies of the draft-constitution were disseminated for participants in every public meeting.