By Nehat Hyseni

Spokesperson of the Referendum of March 1–2, 1992 “For Political and Territorial Autonomy with the Right to Unification with Kosovo”

At a time when Albanians in the Preševo Valley are facing one of the most complex periods of institutional discrimination and political marginalization, the candidacy of a representative of the Party for Democratic Action (PVD), such as Ragmi Mustafa, in the June 7 parliamentary elections in Kosovo, raises a necessary question: is this an act of responsible institutional representation, or a partisan alignment that risks fragmenting an issue that requires full unity?

A Questionable Step in Relation to Strategic Priorities

Without denying the individual right to run for office, it must be emphasized that this move does not align with the strategic priorities of Albanians in the Preševo Valley.

Today, what is required is:

* a structured response to discrimination in Serbia,
* the internationalization of the issue through institutional mechanisms,
* and the construction of a unified political platform.

In this context, candidacy in Kosovo shifts the focus from the institutional dimension to a partisan one.

The Core Issue: Partisan Alignment Instead of Institutional Representation

The essence of the concern does not lie merely in the act of candidacy, but in how it positions the issue of the Preševo Valley within Kosovo’s political landscape.

Aligning a representative of the Valley within a specific political party in Kosovo:

* shifts the Valley’s issue from a comprehensive national cause into a segment of party competition,
* risks fragmenting its representation in relation to other political parties in Kosovo,
* and, even more concerning, creates the potential for the issue to become a subject of internal political contestation within Kosovo itself.

An issue such as that of the Preševo Valley, which requires broad cross-party support and institutional consensus in Kosovo, cannot and should not be reduced to a one-sided partisan positioning.

The Risk of Fragmentation and Politicized Conflict

Placing the Preševo Valley issue within a partisan framework produces multiple consequences:

* it weakens its unifying national character,
* exposes it to internal political rivalries in Kosovo,
* and risks that other parties will perceive it as the “issue of one political actor” rather than a shared state responsibility.

This is a serious development with long-term implications.

Instead of being a cause that unites the political spectrum in Kosovo, the Valley risks becoming a point of division, where support or lack thereof is determined by partisan alignment.

Institutional Ambiguity and an Unclear Precedent

This development also creates institutional ambiguities:

* Does the candidate represent a political party in Kosovo or the broader interest of the Preševo Valley?
* To whom is he politically accountable: the electorate in Kosovo or the community in the Valley?
* How can this role be reconciled with the need for an inclusive and institutional approach?

These dilemmas are not merely theoretical—they go to the very foundation of the concept of representation.

The Need for an Inclusive and Consensus-Based Approach

The issue of the Preševo Valley must be treated as:

* a national issue, not a partisan one,
* an institutional priority, not an electoral platform,
* a subject of consensus among all political forces in Kosovo.

This requires a renewed approach in which:

* representation is built on common platforms,
* partisan instrumentalization is avoided,
* and the unifying character of the cause is preserved.

Kosovo and Its Institutional Responsibility

Kosovo has a clear responsibility toward Albanians in the Preševo Valley. However, this responsibility must be exercised in an institutional and inclusive manner.

It cannot be reduced to individual or partisan involvement, but must be reflected through:

* coordinated state policies,
* active diplomacy,
* and broad political consensus.

Only in this way can fragmentation be avoided and the seriousness of the approach be preserved.

Conclusion: The Time for Institutional Maturity and Political Unity

The candidacy of Ragmi Mustafa in Kosovo’s elections must be analyzed beyond its individual dimension. It touches upon a deeper issue: how the cause of Albanians in the Preševo Valley is represented and articulated.

The partisan alignment of this issue poses a real risk of:

* fragmentation,
* weakening of broad political support,
* and the creation of unnecessary divisions at a moment that demands unity.

Therefore, what is needed is:

* a return to an institutional approach,
* the building of broad political consensus,
* and the avoidance of any form of partisan instrumentalization.

Because national issues cannot be treated as party projects. They require maturity, responsibility, and a shared vision.