Guérot: Disappointing CEC decision, does not contribute to inclusive elections

French Ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guérot, stated that the decision of the Central Election Commission not to certify the participation of the Serb List’s candidates in the December 28 elections is disappointing and questionable.

Guérot emphasized that such a decision does not contribute to inclusive elections in Kosovo.

“The decision taken yesterday by the CEC regarding the candidates for the upcoming elections is disappointing and questionable. It does not contribute to transparent and inclusive elections,” Guérot wrote on the social network X.

In that message, he recalled his recent meeting with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, during which he stressed, among other points, the importance of ensuring that all political parties are able to participate in the upcoming elections so that they are fully inclusive.

The Commission yesterday did not certify the participation of Srpska Lista’s candidates in the December 28 elections, prompting the party to file an appeal with the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel.

The decision was criticized by the German Embassy in Pristina, which told Kosovo Online that it negatively affects Kosovo’s international reputation and its path toward European integration, while the OSCE Mission stated that it regrets the decision, noting that credible elections must be representative of all communities and political parties in Kosovo.