As Kosovo heads to the polls for the second time in less than a year, the focus is on Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement (LVV) party as it seeks a parliamentary majority to overcome a persistent political impasse. The election is pivotal not only for the country’s internal governance but also for its international relations and aspirations for EU membership. With dire economic challenges and the need for social reform in mind, Kurti’s leadership and proposed initiatives will be closely scrutinized as Kosovo navigates this critical juncture in its history.
Kosovo is voting to elect a new parliament for the second time in 11 months as Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s party aims to achieve a parliamentary majority and resolve a protracted political stalemate. Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time (06:00 GMT) and will close at 7 p.m. (18:00 GMT) on Sunday, with exit polls expected to be released shortly after the voting concludes.
The snap parliamentary election was called after Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement (LVV) was unable to form a government, despite emerging as the leading party during the February 9 ballot. The continued inability to establish a stable government risks exacerbating the ongoing crisis at a crucial time for Kosovo, as legislators are required to elect a new president in April and ratify significant loan agreements from the European Union and the World Bank, totaling 1 billion euros (approximately .2 billion) that are set to expire in the coming months.
Opposition parties in Kosovo have declined to govern alongside Kurti, voicing concerns over his management of relations with Western allies and his approach toward Kosovo’s ethnically diverse northern region, where a significant Serb minority resides. Despite facing these challenges, Kurti continues to emphasize his agenda, which seeks to enhance the welfare of citizens.
To attract voters, Kurti has promised an additional month of salary annually for public sector employees, a commitment to invest 1 billion euros each year in capital projects, and the establishment of a new legal unit to combat organized crime. The opposition also vows to prioritize improvements in living standards, addressing the shared concerns of voters who express a desire for significant changes.
Polling practices in Kosovo result in an uncertain electoral outcome, as public opinion surveys are not routinely published. Many citizens express feelings of disillusionment regarding their political options. “There wouldn’t be great joy if Kurti wins, nor would there be if the opposition wins. This country needs drastic changes, and I don’t see that change coming,” remarked Edi Krasiqi, a doctor in the region.
The history of Kosovo is marked by tensions with Serbia, its former governing entity. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 following years of ethnic conflict and a NATO intervention in 1999. Since then, it has received recognition from over 100 countries, though notable exceptions include Serbia, Russia, Greece, and Spain. Kosovo aspires to join the EU, but both it and Serbia have been urged to normalize their relations as a prerequisite for accession.
Amid underlying economic hardship, Kosovo remains one of Europe’s poorest nations. As one of the six Western Balkan countries on a potential path to EU membership, it must navigate its complicated political landscape while striving for progress. With the EU recently lifting sanctions imposed due to escalating tensions with Serbia, the outcome of this election may significantly influence future relations and Kosovo’s journey toward European integration.
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