A New Kind of Leader for New Nation

GJAKOVA, Kosovo, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The citizens of Kosovo are preparing to go to the polls this Saturday to elect the government that will, in all likelihood, lead what will soon become the newest member of the European family of nations. This government will be faced with many challenges and many responsibilities that are far different from those that have been dealt with by the current provisional government of this United Nations protectorate. Thus, it is imperative that the citizens of Kosovo elect leaders that are most capable of leading a new nation to prosperity.

Our late President Ibrahim Rugova, who was often called the "Ghandi" of the Balkans, espoused a dream of a peaceful, progressive path to European prosperity. He knew that Kosovo has the human and materiel resources to propel this new state to an equal seat at the table of modern democracies. But he also warned that these resources could be easily squandered by violence, corruption, or ignorance.

His gift to us was his unfailing optimism in a lifetime of work to bring freedom to the people of Kosovo. We must respect his legacy, and elect only those leaders that share his peaceful vision of democratic prosperity. There are many opportunities in Kosovo to vote for candidates that offer promises for every manner of quick fix, monetary compensation, and even canned food. But the citizens of Kosovo must be strong and reject the old-fashioned ways of those making such distasteful offers to trade for votes. If Kosovars want change -- if they want prosperity -- it requires more than a politician with care-packages on election day.

Real change requires real leadership. The citizens of Kosovo must unite behind these candidates that can lead Kosovo toward Europe and away from corrupt practices, stagnation, and the "old ways" of doing things -- especially the "old ways" of securing votes. Kosovo needs modern, progressive leadership that will scale back bureaucracy, pave the way for transparent investment, and execute sensible domestic and international reforms. The alternative is a continuation of protectorate status, further decline in the standard of living, and outright betrayal of President Rugova's legacy. But I have faith that Kosovo will choose wisely.

Astrit Haraqija is the Minister for Culture, Youth, Sports, and Non-residential Issues in the Provisional Government of Kosovo.