Kosovo’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has barred the Serb List, the main party representing the Serb minority, from participating in the February 2025 parliamentary elections. The decision follows nationalist comments made by party leader Zlatan Elek, raising concerns over the political representation of Kosovo’s Serb community.
(TIR-FAX) – Kosovo’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has rejected the Serb List’s certification for the February 2025 parliamentary elections. The move follows nationalist remarks by party leader Zlatan Elek, who publicly declared “Long live Serbia” while presenting the Serb List candidates.
The Serb List had been expected to secure all 10 reserved seats for Kosovo’s Serb minority, a key feature in Kosovo’s electoral system. However, the CEC’s decision places the party’s participation in jeopardy, as the rejection is tied to Elek’s comments, which the commission says breach Kosovo’s electoral standards.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has condemned the decision, accusing Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of disenfranchising the Serb community. Vucic called the move politically motivated and said it aimed to silence Kosovo’s Serbs.
The rejection comes as part of ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, which have struggled to normalise relations despite international pressure. The Serb List, strongly backed by Serbia, has played a dominant role in Kosovo’s political scene for years.
The party can appeal the decision, with its leaders already vowing to challenge the ruling in court.
