The return of the Serbian List to Kosovo’s local elections on October 12 reflects the paradoxical politics of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, according to Serbian analyst Dušan Janjić.
In the April 23, 2023 local elections in Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo, the Serbian List boycotted the vote, urging Serb citizens to withdraw from institutions. Municipal mayor posts in the north remained vacant after Serbian representatives resigned in November 2022 in protest against Kosovo’s decision to replace Serbian license plates with Kosovo plates.
However, Janjić notes, in the upcoming elections, the Serbian List is re-entering the race with Vučić’s support, effectively “legalizing” the situation created by the previous boycott.
According to Janjić, this move is part of a broader political strategy, where Vučić uses the Serbian List not only to consolidate power in northern Kosovo but also as a negotiation tool with the United States and the European Union.
Janjić adds:
“Amid a deep crisis where the risk is high that Vučić may not remain president until October, he continues to support the Serbian List in presenting its members as candidates. The paradox is clear: in previous local elections, the Serbian List called on citizens to stay away from four northern municipalities. Now, Vučić is directly and indirectly legitimizing the new situation that emerged in the meantime. This is truly paradoxical and reflects his broader strategic game with the US and EU.”
The Serbian List will participate in the October 12 local elections in municipalities including North Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zubin Potok, Zvečan, Novobërdë, Obiliq, Shtërpcë, Gračanica, Ranillug, Partesh, and Kllokot. For assemblies, the party will also compete in Gjilan, Istog, Klina, Lipjan, Obiliq, Fushë Kosovë, Dardana, Vushtrri, and Pejë.
In these elections, the Serbian List, which has confirmed it will run with Serbia’s approval, will face competition from 10 other parties.
