Kosovo’s Central Election Commission blocks Serbian List ahead of key election

Pristina, December 23, 2024 - The Central Election Commission (CEC) in Kosovo has declined to certify the Serbian List, the largest party representing Serbs in the region, for participation in February’s parliamentary elections, sparking political tension and accusations of bias.

Out of the CEC’s members, two voted for certification, seven abstained, and representatives of the Vetëvendosje (Self-Determination) Movement opposed the decision. Vetëvendosje argued that the Serbian List, backed by Belgrade, does not recognise Kosovo’s sovereignty and has failed to condemn recent violence in northern Kosovo.

“This entity openly refuses to acknowledge the state,” said Sami Kurteshi, a Vetëvendosje representative, referencing the involvement of Milan Radoičić, the party’s former deputy leader, in a deadly attack on a Kosovo police officer in September 2023.

The Serbian List has yet to comment, but Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić accused Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of attempting to sideline political opposition, calling the move “an elimination of the only Serbian political voice in Kosovo.”

Certification process remains in limbo

Despite the CEC’s decision, experts say the certification process is far from over. The Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) is expected to review the Serbian List’s case. Historically, ECAP has overturned similar CEC decisions, allowing contested parties to run.

Eugen Cakolli of the Kosovo Democratic Institute described the CEC’s move as politically charged. “Precedent suggests that ECAP will likely order automatic certification, bypassing further procedural hurdles,” Cakolli told VOA.

The CEC has already approved 27 political entities for February’s elections, including 19 parties, five coalitions, and several independent candidates. Five of these represent Kosovo’s Serbian community.