Kosovo ruling party challenges certification of Serbian List ahead of February elections

Jan 2, 2024 - Kosovo’s ruling Self-Determination Movement (LVV) has appealed to the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (PZAP), disputing the certification of the Serbian List, the largest political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, for the February 9 parliamentary elections.

The LVV argued in a statement that the Central Election Commission (KQZ) acted unlawfully by certifying the Serbian List, accusing the commission of permitting their participation despite the party’s refusal to recognise Kosovo’s statehood. LVV argues that this decision goes against the country’s election law.

Kreshnik Radoniqi, head of the KQZ, stated on December 31 that PZAP's rulings are binding and confirmed that the certification of the Serbian List is final, calling the matter resolved.

A controversial certification

The dispute began on December 23, when the KQZ initially refused to certify the Serbian List’s participation in the elections, citing its failure to recognise Kosovo’s sovereignty. The Serbian List appealed the decision to PZAP, which subsequently instructed the KQZ to approve their certification.

LVV has since escalated the matter by appealing to Kosovo’s Supreme Court, but this appeal was rejected earlier this week. The LVV now maintains that the decision was made illegally, claiming it bypassed the necessary vote from KQZ members and violated Kosovo’s Election Law.

International and local tensions

The dispute has sparked significant attention both within Kosovo and internationally. The European Union has expressed concerns over the politicisation of electoral list certifications, warning that it could hinder Kosovo’s progress.

The Serbian List, which had previously boycotted Kosovo’s political processes, announced its intention to participate in the upcoming elections following a period of political withdrawal.