Bujanovac, southern Serbia — As the date for Serbia’s parliamentary elections draws near, the nation stands at a crucial crossroads, with its tumultuous past casting long shadows over its present and future. The elections scheduled for December 17, 2023, are not merely a political contest but a reflection of deeper issues plaguing the country, particularly the situation of its ethnic Albanian community. This matter, rooted in a complex history of conflict and present-day political manoeuvrings, raises profound concerns about Serbia’s dedication to democratic values, human rights, and regional harmony.
The history of the Balkans is a mosaic of ethnic diversity and intricate national identities, often caught in the expansive geopolitical narratives of Europe. The disintegration of Yugoslavia in the 1990s set off waves of nationalism and ethnic discord, leading to the notorious ethnic cleansing campaigns under Slobodan Milosevic’s regime. These events, which sparked international outrage and NATO intervention, especially in Kosovo, have left deep scars on the regional psyche.
Today, under the rule of President Aleksandar Vucic, once a Propaganda Minister in Milosevic’s government, there are alarming signs that these dark chapters may be repeating themselves. Reports from ethnic Albanians in Serbia portray a dire picture of exclusion and disenfranchisement. Central to these issues are citizenship and freedom of movement, rights increasingly becoming conditional for this minority group.
Cases like those of Halim Ramadani and Gentrit Emerllahu epitomise the ethnic Albanians’ plight. Ramadani, who relocated to Kosovo for work, found his Serbian passport nullified, severely limiting his rights. Emerllahu’s struggle to obtain vital state documents is hindered by his family’s “passivised” address—a status seemingly targeted at ethnic Albanians, particularly those moving to Kosovo. These instances are not isolated but reflect a systemic pattern impacting many in this community.
My time in Belgrade, observing the pre-election campaign, included a visit to Pcinje, a southeastern district with a significant ethnic Albanian population. In Presheva, a sense of despair and silence prevailed, with many residents criticising their mayor, Shqiprim Arifi, seen as a tool of Serbian politics. Arifi’s ascent to power and his silence on key issues like ethnic cleansing remain contentious. Attempts to engage with Arifi for comments were unsuccessful, highlighting a broader trend of suppressing dissenting voices.
In Bujanovac, I met Abelant Zahiri, a software engineer from London, who returned to participate in the elections. He expressed concerns about the nullification of addresses for ethnic Albanians living outside Serbia, fearing for his own citizenship status. He views these actions as a form of ethnic cleansing, highlighting the selective enforcement of laws against ethnic Albanians. Zahiri emphasized the need for unity among ethnic Albanians in Serbia, particularly in national elections, and voiced support for Shaip Kamberi as a representative in the National Assembly.
The Serbian government’s policy of address passivisation has grave consequences. By revoking citizenship from ethnic Albanians relocating to Kosovo, the state effectively renders them stateless. This administrative strategy, denying access to services and civil rights, appears to be a calculated effort to diminish their presence and influence in Serbia. Legal and bureaucratic barriers often leave affected individuals without recourse.
The upcoming elections present an opportunity to examine the broader geopolitical landscape and the roles played by international actors. Critically, the European Union has been accused of enabling and appeasing the aggressive political stances of Serbia’s autocratic leader, Vucic. The EU’s approach, often seen as overly conciliatory, raises questions about its commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights in its interactions with Serbia.
Furthermore, recent actions by US Ambassador to Belgrade, Christopher Hill, have sparked controversy. His apology for the NATO bombing campaign is seen by many as a significant diplomatic concession to Vucic’s government, potentially undermining efforts to hold Serbia accountable for its treatment of ethnic minorities and adherence to democratic principles.
These international dynamics have significant implications for Serbia’s political landscape and its treatment of ethnic Albanians. The Helsinki Committee and the Belgrade-based Youth Initiative for Human Rights have raised their voices against the passivisation law, highlighting it as a critical human rights issue. Their advocacy sheds light on the broader challenges facing ethnic Albanians in Serbia, who contend with systemic marginalization and disenfranchisement.
With the elections approaching, the marginalization of the ethnic Albanian community could profoundly impact Serbia’s democratic process. The ability to obtain documents, participate in civic life, and exercise voting rights is fundamental to a healthy democracy. The disenfranchisement of an entire ethnic group raises serious questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the electoral process and, by extension, the government’s legitimacy.
As Serbia stands at this critical juncture, the choices made by Vucic and his administration, along with the responses of the international community, will resonate beyond the country’s borders. The elections are more than a political barometer; they are a referendum on Serbia’s trajectory, its commitment to democratic norms, and its ability to reconcile with its history. The situation of the ethnic Albanian community serves as a crucial test for Serbia’s democracy and a bellwether for the future of the Balkans. The international community watches with a mix of hope and caution, yearning for progress yet mindful of the historical shadows that loom large over the region.
Vudi Xhymshiti, founder and chief editor of The Frontliner Magazine, brings a wealth of experience in reporting on global armed conflicts and political issues. With a background in Documentary Photography and Photojournalism from the University of the Arts London, and studies in Political Science, International Relations, and Diplomacy, Vudi skilfully merges human rights insights with dedicated journalism. His ethical and thoughtful reporting has graced top publications like The Guardian and The New York Times. At The Frontliner, launched in 2023, he explores the profound effects of conflicts on law, human rights, and freedoms, continuing his commitment to impactful storytelling.
