Kosovo holds third election in 18 months

Voters in Kosovo are heading to the polls in a snap election called to resolve a political stalemate. The country's prolonged political crisis has further debilitated an already ailing economy.

Kosovo is holding an early parliamentary election called after the previous parliament was unable to elect a president by a March deadline.

The election is the third in 16 months, with the unstable political situation negatively impacting both the economy and the country's EU aspirations.

Why is Kosovo holding snap elections?

The election was called after the main political parties were unable to elect a new head of state to replace former President Vjosa Osmani within the required timeframe.

Although Prime Minister Albin Kurti's center-left Vetevendosje party holds a clear parliamentary majority, a president must receive at least 80 votes in the 120-member assembly.   

In recent parliamentary votes, there were not enough lawmakers in the chamber to allow a valid election owing to an opposition boycott.

At least one major opposition force is required to support any candidate, as Vetevendosje and its partners do not constitute a sufficient quorum.

Who is taking part in Sunday's election in Kosovo?

Kurti achieved his parliamentary majority with ethnic minority MPs in a December election that followed an inconclusive vote in February 2025.

He is now being challenged by the two main opposition parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).

Former President Osmani is running on the LDK list in the election, as she now no longer supports Kurti after he refused to back her for a second term in office.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a 1998-1999 war where Serbia withdrew after a NATO bombing.

 Kosovo has been recognized by the US and most EU countries, but not by Serbia and its allies, Russia and China.

Pristina and Belgrade have been told they must lay aside their differences if they wish to progress with their EU membership bids.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) and close at 7:00 p.m., with preliminary results expected late on Sunday.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

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