The Hybrid Warfare Studies Institute “Octopus” organized the 2026 Forum on the theme “Electoral Integrity Facing Hybrid Threats: Security Implications of Foreign Interference,” where local and international experts discussed the risks posed by hybrid interference and disinformation in electoral processes.

The Director of the “Octopus” Institute, Arben Fetoshi, said that recent cases in Europe have demonstrated the serious consequences of hybrid interference and the importance of preventive measures.

He stressed that neutralizing Serbia’s interference in Kosovo’s electoral processes is not only an institutional duty but also an important contribution to regional stability.

In the first session of the forum, former Chair of the Central Election Commission, Valdete Daka, stated that elections are a complex process that requires increased attention, including in terms of security during their organization.

According to her, the Central Election Commission has been consistently faced with attempts of interference from Serbia, especially in the north of Kosovo.

Daka said that there have also been concerning pressures on Serb candidates who have not been part of the Serbian List.

“All those who have represented the Serb community outside the Serbian List have been punished in various forms, including dismissal from work,” she stated.

From the Kosovo Police, Vëllaznim Sordolli said that the police are taking concrete actions to address electoral security challenges.

He added that police investigators and prosecutors are deployed in the field before and during elections to respond immediately to any possible irregularities.

Meanwhile, expert from Hibrid.info, Festim Rizanaj, spoke about disinformation narratives during election campaigns.

According to him, some narratives are linked to claims of “institutional terror,” “political arrests,” manipulation of the electoral process, and the influence of diaspora voting on election results.

He said these narratives in the Serbian language also penetrate the digital sphere and artificial intelligence systems.

On the synchronized Russian-Serbian interference in elections, Dr. Iryna Synelnyk said that Russian interference in elections is a long-term strategy aimed at undermining democracy through disinformation and involvement in electoral processes.

She warned that there is a high probability that Serbia will attempt to influence the June 7 elections in Kosovo using methods similar to those used by Russia in other countries.

According to her, institutions must work more on preventing these attacks and raising citizens’ awareness of hybrid threats.