UNMIK concerned about CEC decision on the Serb List: Commission must adhere to the legal framework

The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has expressed concern over the Central Election Commission’s decision not to certify the Serb List for participation in the early parliamentary elections scheduled for 28 December, stressing that electoral processes must be conducted in a transparent, inclusive, and impartial manner.

In its statement, UNMIK emphasizes that electoral processes must remain free from political influence in order to preserve the principles of free and fair elections and the right of all communities to participate in public affairs in Kosovo.

“UNMIK calls on the CEC to ensure full respect for the integrity of the electoral process and to adhere to the applicable legal framework,” the Mission stated in a post on the social network X.

The Central Election Commission yesterday failed to confirm the participation of the Serb List in the upcoming parliamentary elections, as two CEC members voted in favor, two opposed, and five abstained.

As a result, the Serb List has submitted a complaint to the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel. The party’s leader, Zlatan Elek, stated at a press conference today that the decision is anti-democratic and anti-Serb, recalling that this is the third time this year the CEC has violated the rights of the Serbian community and refused to certify the Serb List.

The CEC’s decision prompted reactions from the EU Office in Kosovo, the OSCE Mission, the embassies of the United States and Italy in Pristina, the British Ambassador, and others.