Joint Albanian list in Serbia: Analysts assess impact of October 25 elections

The decision by Albanian political parties in Serbia to unite on a single list for the October 25 elections is an important development for political representation and the protection of Albanians’ rights, according to Gurakuq Kuçi, a researcher at the Octopus Institute. Kuçi expresses concern about what he calls the administrative erasure of Albanians as an ethnic group. He cites the deactivation of residential addresses, difficulties finding employment and barriers to education, which he says affect Albanians’ political and social standing in Serbia. He says running on a joint list could help Albanians reorganize politically and prevent their vote from being split. According to Kuçi, the joint list clears the 3 percent threshold, creating a realistic possibility that their representation will not be limited to one member of parliament.