The Government of Kosovo has issued a statement following the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) decision not to certify the Serb List (Lista Srpska) for the October 12 local elections.
Government spokesperson Përparim Kryeziu told KosovaPress that Kosovo had previously designated the so-called “Civil Protection” and “Northern Brigade” as terrorist organizations on June 29, 2023.
“At that time, we were strongly criticized, but it turned out we were right. Kosovo is an independent state and a democratic republic,” Kryeziu said.
He stressed that the Government of Kosovo does not ban political parties, including the Serb List, but that certification lies with the CEC, while the prosecution and judiciary are responsible for acting on the extensive evidence provided by Kosovo’s security and intelligence institutions.
Kryeziu argued that parallel and illegal Serbian structures use the Serb List as their platform in Kosovo, adding that Kosovo Serbs should not be limited to a single political party. He highlighted that 12 other Serbian political entities – including four political parties, six civic initiatives, and two independent candidates – have already been certified for the upcoming elections.
“It is unfair to neglect these actors for the sake of the Serb List, which does not represent the interests of Kosovo Serbs, but those of official Belgrade,” he stated.
Commenting on today’s meeting between acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Anu Prattipati, Kryeziu noted that the issue of the Serb List has been repeatedly discussed with American diplomats.
“The Prime Minister’s position is clear and consistent. On December 23, 2024, Vetëvendosje representatives in the CEC voted against certifying the Serb List for the February 9, 2025 parliamentary elections. Since then, the Serb List has not improved – on the contrary,” he added.
Kryeziu also pointed out that Milan Radoičić, considered the de facto leader of the Serb List, along with 44 other Serbian paramilitaries, faces an indictment for the September 24, 2023 Banjska attack, in which Kosovo Police Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed.
The CEC’s decision came after two votes in favor, two against, and seven abstentions, resulting in the Serb List not being certified for the upcoming elections.
