As we previously warned during the roundtable discussion on January 28 and our policy paper published on January 31, 2025, Serbia’s interference in the February 9 elections is escalating to alarming proportions.
Recent findings indicate systematic interference by Belgrade aimed at influencing voters and distorting the electoral process.
- Vote buying under the guise of social aid: Individuals supported by Serbia are distributing money and goods to Serbian citizens in Kosovo with the intention of influencing them to vote exclusively for Lista Srpska candidates. These actions, aimed at manipulating the election outcome, are being disguised as humanitarian aid.
- Political threats: Serbia-backed political structures, such as Lista Srpska, continue to exert pressure, issue threats, and intimidate supporters of rival Serbian parties in Kosovo.
- Hybrid warfare tactics: Serbia’s interference in the elections is part of a broader hybrid strategy against Kosovo, which includes financial influence, media manipulation, and political coercion, with the objective of undermining Kosovo’s democracy and sovereignty.
Given the political and security implications, the Octopus Institute assesses that immediate and heightened attention from both domestic and international institutions and observers is crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the elections.
Necessary actions should include:
- Enhanced monitoring to prevent and document electoral irregularities;
- Effective response from competent institutions;
- Stronger engagement with international partners to address Serbia’s hybrid interference.
Serbia’s actions represent a direct threat to the integrity of the elections, making imperative to undertake measures that ensure free and fair elections. The Octopus Institute will continue to monitor and analyze the electoral process, including election day.
For further insights, please refer to our policy document published on January 31.