The European Union Office in Pristina has expressed regret over the decision of Kosovo’s Central Election Commission not to certify the Serb List for the December 28 parliamentary elections.

According to the EU Office, Vetëvendosje and other political parties have politicized the Commission, which undermines the credibility of an inclusive and transparent election process. Moreover, the statement said this decision contradicts international standards and the EU Election Observation Mission’s recommendations.

British Ambassador to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves said he was deeply concerned about the growing political influence over the CEC. He warned that excluding the Serb List could harm Kosovo’s reputation as a multiethnic democracy and weaken its relations with international partners.

Similarly, the OSCE expressed disappointment and deep concern. It warned that increasing political polarization within the CEC reflects party interests rather than democratic principles. According to the organization, such behavior damages the impartiality and credibility essential to an independent election body.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the CEC rejected the certification of the Serb List, the largest party representing Kosovo Serbs and the only one supported by Belgrade. Two members voted in favor, two against, while seven abstained.

Vetëvendosje members Sami Kurteshi and Alban Krasniqi voted against certification, claiming that the Serb List acts against Kosovo’s national interests. Meanwhile, members of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, the Democratic League of Kosovo, and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo abstained.

As a next step, the Serb List can appeal this decision to the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Gjurić condemned the CEC decision, calling it completely unacceptable. He said the move shows a lack of democratic capacity and an unfair attitude toward the Serb community. Furthermore, he expressed hope that, with international support, the decision will be reviewed as in previous elections.

Background and Political Context

This is the third time the CEC has initially refused to certify the Serb List. In earlier elections, the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel overturned similar decisions.

In February, the Serb List won nine of the ten Assembly seats reserved for the Serb minority and later regained control of all ten Serb-majority municipalities.

Kosovo will hold early elections later this month because Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje party twice failed to secure enough parliamentary support to form a new government. Although the party won 48 seats in February, it fell short of the 61 needed for a majority.