Barac: Key question is how international actors will respond to CEC's decision regarding the Serb List

Srdjan Barac, an associate at the Center for Social Stability, stated that the decision of the Central Election Commission in Pristina to deny certification of the Serb List's candidacy in the parliamentary elections is another very clear message to Serbs in Kosovo that they have nothing to hope for and that a normal life will not be enabled for them.

In a statement to Kosovo Online, Barac emphasized that this move by the CEC jeopardizes the entire electoral system in Kosovo.

"The key question now remains whether international actors will react, especially those across the Atlantic. Will they say that this undermines fair elections, that it undermines basic freedoms, including the freedom of expression and political assembly? Is the subjective criterion now the key criterion, and thanks to the national affiliation of the Serb List members, a list is suspended? This jeopardizes the entire electoral system and it no longer exists," Barac said. Since the United States and international institutions have reacted to this move by Pristina, Barac notes that this could be pressure on the authorities in Kosovo, but merely speaking out is not enough; action is necessary.

"The United States has shown several times that what is called the deep state operates even up to Kosovo and Metohija. When they want, they can change things, especially they can make decisions concerning the judiciary, even though Albin Kurti or other significant political state actors do not want it. Speaking out and verbal connotation is good. We welcome it, but it is not enough; action is needed, something must change. This practice aimed at a single goal, the expulsion of Serbs, must be stopped," our interlocutor said.

He added that this is essentially a message to the Serbs that they will never be allowed to live normally.

"There cannot just be a verbal message; there must be substantial action. This practice where officials and politicians make subjective decisions, not respecting the law of the so-called Kosovo, not respecting the Constitution of the so-called Kosovo, not respecting international legal standards, must be stopped," Barac emphasized.

Asked what he expects from the appeal of the Serb List, Barac says that the verbally strong condemnation from the US gives hope that the decision of the Central Election Commission will be changed.

"However, that is not enough. There must be consequences for the inspirers, motivators, but also the executors of such a decision," Barac concluded.