The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kosovo, acting on a proposal from representatives from the ranks of Self-Determination, has denied the Serbian List (Srpska Lista) the right to participate in Kosovo’s parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2025. Zlatan Elek, President of the Serbian List, announced at a press conference in North Mitrovica that the party would file an appeal against what he described as an „absurd, anti-Serb, and undemocratic decision.“
Elek, accompanied by the party’s parliamentary candidates, addressed the media without taking questions, emphasizing his belief that the decision was politically motivated and lacked legal basis.
Elek: A Politically Driven Move
Elek accused the CEC of acting under orders from Prime Minister Kurti to gain „easy political points.“ He called the decision „institutional and legal violence“ against both the Serbian List and the Serbian community in Kosovo.
This decision has no foundation in law, Elek asserted. He further criticized Kurti for allegedly seeking to replace the Serbian List with more compliant representatives, singling out Kosovo’s Minister for Communities and Returns, Nenad Rašić, as an example.
The Controversial Grounds for Disqualification
According to Elek, the Serbian List’s disqualification was based on his use of the term „Kosovo and Metohija“ in campaign materials, a term he defended as a legitimate geographic designation. He was also criticized for declaring „Long live the Republic of Serbia“ instead of the official „Long live the Republic of Kosovo.“
“I am proud to be Serbian,” Elek said firmly, maintaining that neither statement violated any laws and therefore could not justify the CEC’s decision. He highlighted what he described as a double standard, pointing to the certification of the Kosovo Serb Party, which also uses the term „Kosovo and Metohija“ in its rhetoric.
“Perhaps I say it better or more sincerely,” Elek speculated about the differing treatment.
Serbian List: A Thorn in Kurti’s Side
Elek echoed the sentiments of Serbia’s Office for Kosovo and Metohija and President Aleksandar Vučić, asserting that the Serbian List has long been viewed as a threat by Kurti.
“Kurti sees the Serbian List as a serious obstacle to his agenda of marginalizing Serbs in Kosovo,” Elek claimed, accusing the Prime Minister of employing various tactics to suppress the party and its affiliates.
Appeal and International Support
The Serbian List plans to submit its appeal to the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel later today. Elek expressed hope for a „clear and fair decision“ that would overturn the CEC’s ruling.
He also thanked Serbian President Vučić, the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, and the EU Office for their prompt responses to the situation.
Following Elek’s statement, party representatives left the conference without taking further questions.
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