The US Embassy criticized the Central Election Commission’s decision. It said the move violates citizens’ democratic right to choose their representatives. Moreover, it warned that such actions undermine the US–Kosovo partnership.

A spokesperson told Radio Free Europe that any attempt to breach this core principle damages bilateral relations.

Earlier, on January 31, the CEC announced final results of the December 28 snap elections. However, it approved all party candidate lists except the Serbian List, the main Kosovo Serb party backed by Belgrade.

Three CEC members voted in favor. Two members from Vetëvendosje voted against. The others abstained.

On February 2, the Serbian List filed a complaint with the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP). Igor Simiq called the decision illegal, anti-Serb, and discriminatory. He said ECAP should overturn it.

Meanwhile, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić strongly condemned the decision. He described it as another serious attack on the rights of Kosovo Serbs. On X, he warned that such steps deepen mistrust instead of easing tensions.

During the meeting, CEC Chair Kreshnik Radoniqi also criticized the decision. He called it illogical. He argued that deadlines for complaints had already passed and the votes had been recounted. Therefore, the law does not allow new objections at this stage.

In addition, Eugen Cakolli from the Kosovo Democratic Institute said the CEC committed violations. First, it announced results before the legal appeal deadline expired. Then, it issued partial results. He said political voting inside the CEC cannot solve disputes.

Previously, Vetëvendosje, led by Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, tried to block the Serbian List from the elections. However, ECAP repeatedly overturned CEC decisions.

In Kosovo’s Assembly, ten seats are reserved for the Serb community. In December, the Serbian List won nine seats. Nenad Rašić won one seat with his party.

Vetëvendosje insists the Serbian List acts as an extension of Belgrade. It also notes that the party never distanced itself from former deputy leader Milan Radoičić, who claimed responsibility for the 2023 Banjska armed attack.

Therefore, Kurti’s party prefers cooperation with Rašić. It wants Serb-reserved government and parliamentary posts to go to his party. However, last week, the Constitutional Court ruled otherwise. It said the Assembly’s Serb deputy speaker must come from the largest Serb party, which is the Serbian List.

Finally, the CEC announced results after completing a full recount of regular votes. Authorities found discrepancies in candidate tallies.

Only after appeal deadlines at ECAP and the Supreme Court expire can the CEC certify the results. Then, Kosovo can move toward forming new institutions.

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