TIRANA, February 3-The European Union has expressed serious concern over Kosovo’s Central Election Commission (CEC). Specifically, the CEC failed to approve the final results for the Serbian List, the largest Serbian party in the country, from the December 28 early parliamentary elections.

Moreover, the EU reiterated its call to depoliticize the CEC. It also urged all parties to cooperate according to the Constitution, a spokesperson told Radio Free Europe.

In addition, he said all elected candidates must be able to take their seats in the Kosovo Assembly.

On January 31, the CEC approved the overall results but excluded the Serbian List. As a result, the non-confirmation of nine Serbian List members drew sharp criticism from the party and from Belgrade.

Three CEC members voted to confirm the results. Two Vetëvendosje members voted against, while the rest abstained.

The Serbian List, supported by Belgrade, filed a complaint with the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel on February 2. Furthermore, the party called the decision “illegal and discriminatory.” It said the ruling annulled more than 42,000 votes from December 28.

In that election, the Serbian List won nine of ten seats reserved for the Serbian community.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo said it is monitoring the situation closely. It also urged compliance with international election standards.

“We call for transparent and inclusive publication of election results,” the OSCE said. This ensures legal certainty and equal treatment for all participants.

According to the CEC, Vetëvendosje, led by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, won 51.10 percent of the vote. Therefore, it secured 57 seats in the Kosovo Assembly.

The Democratic Party of Kosovo won 20.19 percent (22 seats). The Democratic League of Kosovo won 13.24 percent (15 seats). The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo won 5.50 percent (six seats).

Of the ten Serbian community seats, nine went to the Serbian List. Meanwhile, one went to Nenad Rashiq’s Party for Freedom, Justice, and Survival. In addition, another ten seats are reserved for other non-majority communities.

The CEC decision also drew criticism from the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Pristina said it violates citizens’ democratic right to elect representatives.

“Furthermore, any attempt to undermine this principle weakens the partnership between the United States and Kosovo,” the embassy added.

Acting Prime Minister Kurti and Vetëvendosje are expected to form the new government without issues. However, he said a new dialogue with the opposition will be needed on major issues. These include the presidency and ratifying international agreements. Both, therefore, require a two-thirds majority vote.