The principles of good governance and transparency standards were presented during the first informational session, which included the municipalities of Prizren, Suhareka, Dragash, and Mamuša. The primary objective was to provide practical information on the principles and standards of good governance, as well as to introduce the platform qeverismire.info—a tool that facilitates the work of […]

    This year has been very busy with political developments for Kosovo’s society, and as a result it has brought a wave of online articles that have deepened political polarization and incited the use of hate speech on social media. Based on D4D’s monitoring for the period December 2024 – November 2025, the use […]

The report “Monitoring the Code of Conduct on the Responsible Use of Social Media during the 2025 Local Elections,” conducted by Democracy for Development (D4D), analyses political communication on social media during the campaign period of the local elections held on October 12, 2025. The main objective of the report is to assess compliance with […]

On 26 November 2025, Democracy for Development (D4D) and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) held the launching conference of the monitoring report on the Code of Conduct for the 2025 local elections, signed on 3 September by political parties, media outlets, and civil society organizations. Mark Baskin, Senior Advisor at HD opened the discussion […]

Data on gender representation in Kosovo’s municipal mayoral elections show a gradual yet consistent improvement in women’s participation over the past three election cycles. From 2017 to 2025, the number of women candidates increased from 8 to 20 — a significant 150% rise. However, despite the progress in candidacy, women’s actual representation in elected executive […]

Democracy for Development (D4D) carried out online media monitoring during the 2025 local election campaign, from October 4–10, through the Pikasa platform. The monitoring focused on how candidates and political parties were represented in the digital space, as well as on the presence of hate speech in online comments. The results show that Vetëvendosje (LVV) […]

  During the monitoring period from 4-10 October, a total of 25 cases of inappropriate language by representatives of political subjects on social media were recorded. Among them: · 17 cases are related to hate speech, · 5 case of personal bullying, · 3 cases of spreading disinformation, From September 1 to October 10, a […]

During the period of September 27 – October 3, the Pikasa platform monitored hate speech and the media coverage of candidates in online media and social networks during the 2025 local election campaign. The data shows that the Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (LVV) was the political entity with the highest number of hate speech comments (247 comments), […]

During the monitoring period from September 27 to October 3, a total of 18 cases of inappropriate language by representatives of political subjects on social media were recorded. Among them: · 12 cases are related to hate speech, · 1 case of personal bullying, · 4 cases of spreading disinformation, · 1 other case classified […]

The third consultative meeting was held in Prishtina, with the participation of representatives from civil society organizations, the Agency for Gender Equality, representatives from the Ombudsperson Institution, gender advocacy groups, as well as candidates for municipal assemblies. The discussions focused on gender inequalities present during the local election campaign, with particular emphasis on media coverage […]

In continuation of the work with the factsheets, the group is holding regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure coordination and alignment of actions. These meetings have focused on the data collected so far, as well as on identifying the most effective ways of implementing them. In parallel, meetings are being held with central and local […]

During the period of September 20–26, the Pikasa platform monitored hate speech and the media coverage of candidates in online media and social networks during the 2025 local election campaign. The data shows that the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) was the political entity with the highest number of hate speech comments (553 comments), followed […]

During the period of September 20–26, a total of 25 cases were recorded in which representatives of political parties used inappropriate language on social media. Of these, 15 cases involved hate speech, 3 involved personal bullying, and 2 involved the spread of misinformation. Additionally, 5 other cases fell into different categories. The data indicate that […]

During the period of September 13–19, 2025, Democracy for Development (D4D), through the Pikasa platform, monitored online portals and social media to analyze trends in hate speech and candidate mentions during the local election campaign. The data show that the highest number of hate speech comments directed at political parties was identified against LVV with […]

Between September 13 and 18, a total of 32 cases of inappropriate language use on social media were identified from representatives of political entities in 14 municipalities of Kosovo. The majority were related to hate speech (22 cases), followed by disinformation and personal bullying with 4 cases each. Additionally, 2 cases of calls for violence, […]

Democracy for Development (D4D), in cooperation with the Center for Equality and Justice, is organizing meetings ahead of the local elections, focusing on the challenges faced by women in politics and the media. The first meeting was held in the Municipality of Prizren, with the participation of representatives from political parties, municipal election assemblies, civil […]

Following the successful signing of the Code of Conduct for the Responsible Use of Social Media in the 2025 Local Elections, D4D will carry out manual monitoring of the social media accounts of mayoral and municipal assembly candidates from the municipalities included in the process. Monitoring will take place daily and will include the collection […]

Today, representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, and the media officially signed the Code of Conduct for the Responsible Use of Social Media during the local election campaigning. This important initiative was carried out in collaboration with Democracy for Development (D4D) and Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), marking the second time these stakeholders have […]

The Democracy for Development (D4D) Institute, as part of its ongoing work with new members of political parties #DemocracyBootcamps , organized a three-day workshop (August 29–31) aimed at empowering first-time candidates for municipal assemblies and strengthening their capacities for more effective political and institutional representation. A total of 33 candidates from different political parties, all […]

Local Elections 2025 A monitoring group has been established to monitor the campaign on social media. As in previous elections, D4D will closely monitor hate speech and disinformation in the online space. At the same time, we are working with the media, civil society and political actors to draft a Code of Conduct for social […]

The election campaign on social media has been characterized by a harsh and unconstructive climate, where personal attacks and propaganda have taken the place of democratic debate. This approach has long-term impacts on citizens’ perception of the electoral process and their trust in democratic institutions. For the future, a more regulated and supervised approach to […]

In the train of D4D Institute’s #DemocracyBootcamps, a three-day workshop was organized with members of municipal assemblies, focusing on preparations for the 2025 local elections. Participants were drawn from individuals who had previously attended #DemocracyBootcamps trainings, initially joining the workshops as  youth forum members or candidates for municipal councilors. Throughout their mandate, they have remained active […]

Rezarta Delibashzade-Krasniqi, Executive Director of D4D, shared civil society perspectives on strengthening electoral trust through inclusive voter education and public outreach. The conference has been organized from the State Election Commission (SEC) in North Macedonia, as part of the Electoral Support Programme of the Government of Switzerland, implemented by IFES, with the support of ODIHR […]

Women on the Lists of Political Subjects for Parliamentary Elections, throughout the years: The Democracy for Development Institute (D4D), for several years now, has been encouraging political parties to compile electoral lists in accordance with the Law on Gender Equality. However, even in the general elections of 2025, the political subjects have only respected the […]

The gender composition of the electoral lists of political entities remains only in compliance with the quota! The unequal representation of men and women in the electoral lists of the four main entities for the parliamentary elections of February 9, 2025, shows that only the minimum legal requirement for the inclusion of women has been […]

The conference “Women in Electoral Processes: Ensuring an Inclusive Democracy” organized by the Democracy for Development Institute (D4D) in collaboration with the Central Election Commission (CEC), was held recently. At a time when political parties are preparing candidate lists for the 2025 parliamentary elections, this conference served as a strong call for gender-balanced representation, institutional […]

The Institute for Democracy and Development (D4D) is organizing a one-day training session with the Councilors of the Municipal Assembly of Podujeva. This training focuses on the principles of good governance and their applicability, committing to the building of a stronger and more accountable government. The training was organised by The Democracy for Development Institute […]

Another productive weekend ends with youth forums from political parties. D4D successfully completed a productive training with 26 participants from the youth forums of different political parties. The purpose of the training was to develop their skills in effective communication with the audience, focusing attention on identifying specific groups for campaigns and strategies to improve […]

The Tuesday Salon was held with the topic: “Politics and Youth: Where Debate Stops and Hate Speech Begins?”, in the Municipality of Vushtrria. Invited to the panel to discuss this topic were: Drita Dibrani, Member of the Youth Leadership of Vetëvendosje, and Vlerë Tahiri, Chairwoman of the Democratic Youth. The salon was moderated by Lirim […]

The Democracy for Development Institute (D4D), in partnership with the NDI Kosovo, organized a panel discussion today on the topic “Elections and Technology: Impact on Modern Democracy.” The event was attended by experts, policymakers, and representatives of civil society, who examined the challenges and opportunities presented by technological innovations, including aspects of security, transparency, and […]

Citizens’ connection with politics hit the lowest level in 2016.  Amidst a fierce political battle, citizens had lost trust on the declining parties but were still reluctant to trust the emerging Vetëvendosje party. This year, there is a slight decrease compared to 2019. Urban voters, women, young people, the unemployed who are not actively seeking […]

During this week, the Democracy for Development Institute held the closing conference “Challenges and opportunities: Members of Municipal Assemblies towards the implementation of initiatives”, within the project “Strengthening the participation of young people in political processes”, which is supported by the National Fund for Democracy (NED). Since 2017, in addition to working with the central […]

The Institute Democracy for Development held a two-day training this weekend with municipal assembly members and youth forums from all around Kosovo. During this training, the participants had the opportunity to gain knowledge about information manipulation, how to verify facts and the impact of misinformation on the country’s political sphere. This activity is supported by […]

During this weekend, the Democracy for Development Institute (D4D) held a workshop with youth forums. During this workshop, the topic of presence in social media and how to use digital marketing to increase the audience and convey the message of change in society was addressed. These skills will be used to share the projects that […]

During this weekend, the Democracy for Development Institute (D4D) held a workshop with young members of municipal assemblies in Politics. During this workshop, the ideal forms of presence, communication and interaction of youth engaged in politics were discussed. The training of young people, who are part of the local assemblies, helps to develop their communication […]

This year, like every other year, the annual “Father of the Year” awards ceremony, in which three fathers were awarded. The stories of the selected fathers, and many of those nominated for this award, are indicators that parents in Kosovo need such policies that enable them to have a better balance between private life and […]

A large portion of care work is performed without pay, and often by family members. Research has shown that care work is usually performed by women, thus the work conducted by women continues to be devalued, unrecognized and goes invisible, and not counted as a contribution in national economies. The Western Balkans continues to be […]

If elections were held today, 83-84% of Kosovans would participate in voting, 13-14% would not, and 3-4% are undecided. Men would display a higher voter turnout compared to women. Out of every 100 men, 85 of them would cast their votes, compared to only 82 women. 16 women would choose to stay at home, 5 […]

On October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, D4D Institute held training sessions gathering youth candidates for Assembly Members in the municipalities: Prishtina, Prizren, Ferizaj, Suhareka, Vushtrria, Gjilan, Podujeva, Mitrovica and Malisheva. During this training is being discussed the ideal forms of manners and communication for youth that are politically active. This training, which was mentored by […]

On October 17, 2021, Kosovo held local elections to elect municipal mayors and representatives of municipal assemblies in 38 municipalities of Kosovo. In 21 municipalities where the candidates for mayor did not win the majority in the first round (50% +1), a second-round election was held on November 14, 2021. Despite the shortcomings in the […]

Although a smaller presence of women candidate media coverage was observed compared to their men, from time to time they were part of articles and posts distributed especially on Facebook pages. Posting various posts and articles on Facebook enabled many citizens to comment their opinions, which largely contained sexist, offensive language, hate speech and political […]

Election Campaign under scrutiny

On Tuesday, December 14, the Salon was held on the topic: “Kurti Government during 2021: Achievements and Stagnations”. To talk about the nine months of the Kurti Government, the D4D Institute has invited to discuss: Fitore Pacolli, MP of the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV); Blerta Deliu-Kodra, Member of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK); Armend Zemaj, […]

In the framework of the project “Fighting disinformation and restoring citizen’s trust in the media” a conference called “Electoral campaign on the loupe  : Do information disorders threaten electoral integrity?” was held. The conference was organized by D4D Institute, with the support of NDI and USAID in Kosovo. The main findings of the monitoring of […]

Today, October 15, 2021, the Institute for Democracy for Development (D4D) in cooperation with the Central Election Commission (CEC), held a conference “Inter-institutional cooperation for the smooth running of the electoral process.” The exercise of the right to vote is guaranteed by the Constitution, and as such is personal, free and secret, therefore the protection […]

In AAB College campus, it has been signed an agreement with AAB College, specifically with Department of Journalism. This agreement comes because of implementation of the project on monitoring toxic discourse in during the election campaign with the focus on social media. Students of AAB College, Journalism Department, will monitor the election campaign, and will […]

Toxic language and fake news are prevalent in Kosovo, so the D4D Institute has begun it’s commitment to improving this discourse, involving political parties, civil society, the media and the Central Election Commission, in order to establish a code of conduct in networks social. Therefore, D4D has organized the “Signing Ceremony of the Declaration of […]

Democracy for Development Institute launched the paper, “Cost of Inequality: Funding for Election Campaigns of Women Candidates,” where the findings about the lack of financial support for the election campaigns of women candidates for MPs in the parliamentary seats were presented. Survey findings show that 75% of respondents do not receive any financial coverage for […]

This paper aims to understand the correlation between political party funding and women’s political participation, based on the premise that campaign financing has a direct impact on women’s electability for legislative seats. Given the challenges that women candidates for MPs in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo face in the electoral process, specifically due […]

On 23rd of July, D4D held a roundtable on topic “Code of Conduct in social media”, with the focus on local elections, 2021. Part of the discussion were, institutions, civil society organizations, media, and social media agencies, with whom we discussed the possibility of creating a mechanism which will address toxic discussion, including fake news, […]