The Central Election Commission (KQZ) has confirmed that political entities have until Sunday at midnight, December 7, to submit their full lists of candidates for the early parliamentary elections scheduled in Kosovo on December 28.
According to KQZ spokesperson Valmir Elezi, once the applications are submitted, the institution will launch a comprehensive verification process in cooperation with several state agencies to ensure that each proposed candidate meets all legal criteria for certification.
“KQZ will submit all candidate lists to relevant institutions so they can verify whether each nominee complies with Article 30 of the Law on General Elections,” Elezi told KosovaPress. He emphasized that this procedure is a legal obligation designed to ensure transparency, legality, and the integrity of the electoral process.
What Will Be Verified?
Elezi stated that KQZ will request checks from multiple institutions, including the Kosovo Judicial Council (KGJK), regarding the criminal background of candidates.
According to Article 30 of the Law on General Elections, a person cannot be certified as a candidate if, within the last three years, they have been convicted by a final court decision for a criminal offense and sentenced to one year or more of effective imprisonment.
“We will request KGJK to verify whether any proposed candidate falls under this legal restriction,” Elezi confirmed.
Other Legal Restrictions
Article 30 also disqualifies individuals who:
- Hold specific public functions under the Law on Public Officials
- Are members of the diplomatic service
- Serve as members of KQZ, Municipal Election Commissions, or PZAP
- Have been legally stripped of the right to run as a candidate
- Have failed to pay fines imposed by KQZ or PZAP
- Have failed to comply with any decision issued by PZAP
These restrictions will be fully reviewed during the certification stage.
The verification process is expected to play a decisive role in determining which candidates will ultimately appear on the ballot for the December 28 elections.
