Canaj: It is now impossible to prevent the Serb List from participating in the elections

Political analyst Blerim Canaj stated that it will now be difficult to prevent the Serb List from participating in the upcoming local elections, especially in the four northern municipalities of Kosovo, explaining that once registered, revoking a party’s certification is no longer possible. He also emphasized that the recent visit by the EU Special Envoy for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue, Peter Sorensen, showed that dialogue will be “the top priority of all priorities” for any future government after the political crisis is resolved, Kosova Press reports.

“After the Banjska incident, the Serb List is viewed differently, despite being a registered political party in Kosovo. Even Self-Determination voted to allow it to participate via the CEC. Now, once a party is registered in Kosovo, even revoking its certification becomes impossible. We have a specific agreement and obligation — namely the integration of the Serbian minority into Kosovo’s institutions. It is clear now that the Serb List is the largest party and has the potential to win the elections,” said Canaj.

He also commented on the recent remarks by Ana Pratipati, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Pristina, who emphasized the need to avoid blocking parties from participating in local elections, describing such statements as a useful warning.

“I’m even glad that there was finally an intervention, because it’s better to be warned than completely ignored. In diplomacy, being ignored can be worse than verbal attacks. One should always be viewed as a partner. But I find it impossible that there will now be any attempt to revoke the Serb List’s certification or label it a terrorist organization,” Canaj stressed.

Regarding Peter Sorensen’s visit, Canaj said it reaffirmed that dialogue will remain the central issue for any future government.

“Since we don’t currently have legitimate institutions, his visit was clearly meant to remind us that whoever comes to power next, whenever the Assembly is constituted and institutions are rebuilt, dialogue will be the absolute top priority. That is clear,” Canaj concluded.

Speaking on today's Constitutional Court decision, Canaj said political parties must reach a compromise in order to form a political agreement and constitute the Assembly.

“When we talk about cooperation and compromise, the parties need to be clear on everything—especially Self-Determination, as the election winner, where I see the greatest responsibility. Despite being political opponents, despite competing to defeat each other during campaigns, in the end, all parties need cooperation and compromise, and they need to see one another as partners. That’s how a functioning democratic system is built,” he emphasized.

According to Canaj, if the Constitutional Court’s decision is followed by international pressure, it is essential that political parties start communicating, especially since none of them currently have enough seats to form a parliamentary majority after the 9 February elections.

“If there is any pressure, then it’s absolutely necessary for political parties to start communicating and find a compromise to cooperate. At the end of the day, politics is about compromise. If you're not a politician capable and willing to make compromises, then you lack what’s needed in politics. We’re already seeing that the lack of cooperation among parties is costing the country dearly,” Canaj said.