THE EU IS DISAPPOINTED BY PRIŠTINA’S MOVE: Brussels demands that Serbian parties be allowed to participate in the elections!

The European Union has expressed disappointment with the decision of the Central Election Commission in Priština not to certify two Serbian political parties for participation in the upcoming local elections in Kosovo and Metohija, scheduled for October 12.

The statement of the European External Action Service (EEAS) said that the “inclusive nature of the elections is of key importance for future relations between Kosovo and the European Union.”

“Political parties that meet the legally prescribed conditions must be allowed to participate in the elections, and elected representatives to take up their functions, on the basis of a free, fair, and inclusively conducted process,” the EEAS spokesperson’s statement emphasized.

The European Union, it is added, expects the competent institutions to ensure that the certification procedure, including possible appeals, is in accordance with the “Constitution of Kosovo,” the Law on General Elections, and the principles of the rule of law. “Any exclusion of political actors is contrary to the basic principles of democratic participation of all communities in the electoral process. We will continue to carefully monitor the development of the situation,” the EU said.

On Thursday, the CEC in Priština did not approve the participation of the Serbian List, and two members from the Self-Determination movement voted against its certification. The decision was challenged on Friday before the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel, with the Serbian List explaining that it had done everything necessary to verify its candidates for mayors and councilors.

The Serbian Democracy (SD) party also filed a complaint, after the CEC also did not allow it to participate in the local elections.