Quint and EU: Excluding non-majority communities undermines democracy in Kosovo

The embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, together with the EU Office in Kosovo, expressed concern over attempts by political actors to restrict competition among political parties representing non-majority communities ahead of the upcoming local elections on October 12.

In the statement by the Quint and the EU, it is noted that any such act of excluding certain communities undermines democratic principles and erodes trust in Kosovo’s institutions.

“We expect the outgoing government and all political parties to refrain from further actions that could obstruct the registration of parties. All procedures must be carried out strictly in accordance with the rules and mandate of the Central Election Commission. At the same time, we encourage the affected parties to make full use of the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel to seek legal remedy,” the statement emphasizes.

The Central Election Commission did not certify the Serb List for participation in the October 12 local elections.

They stated this was because “some of the candidates are members of parallel structures declared terrorist organizations and are wanted.”

Today, the Serb List submitted an appeal to the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel in Pristina against the CEC’s decision.