We express our deep concern regarding the developments in the Electoral Assembly of the Association, held today. Today’s meeting raises serious concerns regarding the legality and legitimacy of the elected bodies of the Association.
Although the Law on Local Self-Government, namely Articles 31 and 32, clearly define the right of municipalities to organize and cooperate within associations for the protection of common interests, this organization must be non-partisan and serve all municipalities equally.
Today’s process in fact violates these principles and rules. It was, unfortunately, characterized by a series of procedural violations and deviations from the norms that regulate the functioning of the Association. Furthermore, a clear deviation from the procedures established by the Statute and the Rules of Procedure was observed, thus violating the legitimacy and integrity of decision-making.
With particular concern, it is noted that there are open efforts to give the Association a partisan political character, contrary to the spirit of the law that clearly defines and sanctions the nature of this institution. Moreover, there are serious indications of organized attempts to exclude mayors of municipalities led by a certain political entity, which constitutes a violation of the principle of equal and inclusive representation.
The Ministry of Local Government Administration will seriously examine today’s developments, the legitimacy of the decisions, and further assess the state of cooperation with the Association. Any cooperation must be based on clear principles of legality, inclusiveness and political impartiality.