Kosovo went to the polls on Sunday in snap parliamentary elections aimed at resolving nearly ten months of political deadlock following inconclusive polls earlier this year.
The vote follows February’s parliamentary election in which the ruling Vetevendosje party, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, emerged with the highest share of votes but failed to secure an outright majority in the 120-seat parliament. Vetevendosje’s 42 per cent was insufficient to form a government, while prolonged negotiations among lawmakers failed to produce a coalition or elect a parliamentary speaker, prompting a return to the polls.
By 11am local time (10 GMT), turnout stood at 8.27 per cent, broadly in line with participation levels recorded during the February election, which ended with a voter turnout of 40.6 per cent.
Some voters expressed scepticism about the prospects for change. “I expect the same situation after the elections,” said Arben Xhelili, a 42-year-old economist in Pristina, after casting his ballot.
Political analysts say the stalemate has taken a toll on the country. Brikenda Rexhepi, editor-in-chief of Koha Media Group, said the prolonged deadlock had imposed economic and diplomatic costs, adding that the election offered an opportunity to form “functioning institutions after a year of failed attempts.”
Kurti, widely seen as the frontrunner, has expressed confidence that his party will secure a stronger mandate following a two-week campaign. He told AFP earlier in the week that he hoped to “win by a wide margin” and surpass 50 per cent of the vote.
While his earlier campaign focused heavily on asserting government authority across Kosovo, including Serb-majority areas, Kurti’s latest messaging has centred on economic performance. He said Kosovo’s economy remained resilient, with GDP growth projected at about four per cent this year. In recent days, he also announced plans to pay 100 euros to pensioners and families with young children before the end of the year.
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Opposition parties criticised the pledge, describing it as electoral inducement. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) both accused the government of economic mismanagement, citing rising prices, higher electricity costs and stagnant wages and pensions.
PDK leader Bedri Hamza said inflation had eroded living standards and promised economic reforms under a PDK-led government, while LDK candidate Lumir Abdixhiku accused the current administration of poor political choices and strained relations with international partners, particularly over its handling of issues concerning the Serb minority.
More than two million people are eligible to vote in the election, including tens of thousands registered abroad. In addition to the main parties, voters are also electing representatives for 20 parliamentary seats reserved for minority groups, including the Serb, Roma, Ashkali, Balkan Egyptian, Bosniak, Turkish and Gorani communities.
Many voters said they hoped the election would usher in stability and improved governance. “We expect better than what it is now,” said Suzana Simnica, 53, after voting in Pristina.