OSCE reacts after commission in Pristina fails to verify Serb List for elections in Kosovo and Metohija

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The OSCE in Pristina has reacted to the Central Election Commission failing to verify the Serb List for the provisional institutions'  parliamentary elections that will be held on December 28.

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"The OSCE Mission in Kosovo expresses its strong disappointment - and deep concern - at the decision by some political party representatives within the Central Election Commission (CEC) to reject or abstain from approving the accreditation request of Srpska Lista (the Serb List) for inclusion in the 28 December election," the organization said in a post on Facebook, and added:

"The Mission condemns actions that undermine the right of political entities to participate in elections. Such actions represent a clear departure from internationally accepted electoral standards."

The post further stated that the OSCE is "seriously concerned by the growing political polarization within the CEC, reflected in voting behavior that appears driven by partisan interests rather than legal criteria and democratic principles."

"Such conduct undermines the impartiality and credibility essential for an independent election management body," the OSCE said.

They also warned that "these actions risk damaging public trust in the electoral process and reinforcing perceptions that decisions are politically motivated rather than guided by fairness, inclusiveness and transparency."

"The OSCE Mission urges the CEC and all political actors to uphold professionalism, impartiality and democratic standards, ensuring that the 28 December election is conducted fully to established international best practice," the statement concluded.

The media in Pristina previously reported that the commission did not verify the Serb List for the December 28 elections.

Two members of the commission voted in favor of verifying the largest Serb party in Kosovo and Metohija, two were against, while seven abstained.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)