Court reverses ban on Serb party's participation in Kosovo elections

A special court panel on Wednesday (December 25) overturned a decision by Kosovo’s election body to deny registration to the largest Serb party, allowing it to participate in the upcoming national elections.

The Electoral Panel for Complaints and Submissions ordered the Central Election Commission (CEC) to certify the Serb List party and its candidates for the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 9, 2025.

“The Central Election Commission is ordered to certify the political entity Serb List and the candidates… for the elections for the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo,” the panel said in its ruling, which was shared with the media.

Allegations of non-recognition

The CEC had refused on Monday to certify the Serb List, accusing the party of not recognising Kosovo’s statehood and operating as if it were part of Serbia. The party, which has the backing of the Serbian government, appealed the decision.

In a statement following the court’s ruling, the Serb List said it had “fulfilled all legal procedures” and described the ban as “politically motivated,” alleging it was carried out under orders from Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

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Political tensions over Serb influence

Kurti, who has been critical of the Serb List, condemned the party on Tuesday for its ties to Serbia.

“Politically, the Serb List is the most loyal branch of the ruling party in Serbia… representing the wide scope and high degree of Serbia’s interference in Kosovo’s internal affairs,” Kurti said.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade has refused to recognise it. Serbia continues to politically and financially support Kosovo’s Serb minority, encouraging the maintenance of separate schools and health systems aligned with Serbian policies.

The court’s decision is expected to heighten tensions between Pristina and Belgrade, as the February elections will mark another test of Kosovo’s fragile political landscape.