Deputy Nenad Rašić criticized the Central Election Commission (KQZ) for its decision yesterday not to certify the Serbian List for the 12 October local elections, saying the move ultimately helps the party portray itself as a victim among Serbs in Kosovo and in the eyes of international observers.
“The KQZ in its current composition was nominated by political parties, so it carries more political weight than legal. As a politician, I have opposed the Serbian List and would have liked to defeat them, but this method prolongs their influence and gives them greater popularity by appearing blocked or discriminated against,” Rašić said.
He stressed that he does not support these methods, pointing to yesterday’s KQZ decision as an example of political maneuvering rather than democratic fairness.
Rašić added that the decision provides the Serbian List with material to dramatize their situation in the media, ultimately encouraging Serb voters to support them more strongly.
While it is expected that the KQZ will eventually allow the Serbian List to participate, Rašić criticized the political exploitation of decisions like yesterday’s.
During the KQZ meeting on 21 August, members of Vetëvendosje voted against certifying the Serbian List for the upcoming elections, while the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) abstained. Certification votes in favor came only from Serbian List member Gordana Ljaban and KQZ Chair Kreshnik Radoniqi.
A similar KQZ decision had previously been overturned by PZAP for the parliamentary elections, allowing the Serbian List to participate in the 9 February elections.
