Kosovo is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday, marking a significant moment for Prime Minister Albin Kurti, whose party secured a decisive victory four years prior.
Eligible voters, including those living abroad, will have the opportunity to select 120 lawmakers from a pool of 26 political parties and one independent candidate. The electoral process, running from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., has guaranteed ten seats for the Serb minority, along with ten additional seats allocated for other minority groups.
This election is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time since Kosovo gained independence in 2008 that its parliament has served a full four-year term. It marks the ninth parliamentary election in Kosovo since the conclusion of the 1998-1999 conflict, which ended with Serbian forces being expelled after NATO intervention. Serbia has yet to recognize Kosovo’s independence, which was declared in 2008.
Kurti’s leftist party, Vetevendosje! (Self-Determination Movement), is currently viewed as the leading contender. However, it is uncertain whether the party will secure enough seats to govern without forming a coalition, raising the possibility of a collaboration with the other main parties if Kurti struggles to establish a new government.
“On Feb. 9, we vote for the future,” stated Kurti, urging support for his party.
The main rival parties include the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the latter of which has seen its popularity decline significantly since the passing of its long-time leader, Ibrahim Rugova, in 2006. The PDK’s high-ranking officials are currently facing war crime allegations in The Hague.
During the election campaign, various parties made ambitious promises aimed at enhancing public wages, augmenting pensions, expanding education and healthcare services, and addressing poverty. However, specifics on funding sources and strategies for attracting foreign investments remained vague.
Bedri Hamza from the PDK claimed, “We have a plan for each city, each family, each person,” while Lumir Abdixhiku from the LDK asserted, “We have an alternative to guarantee a better life in Kosovo.”
With its population of 1.6 million, Kosovo is struggling economically, featuring an annual GDP of less than 6,000 Euros per citizen. The situation has been exacerbated by a recent 90-day funding freeze imposed by Washington, which significantly impacts various growth projects spearheaded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a major investor in the region since 1999.
This election will also influence the leadership in stalled normalization negotiations with Serbia, efforts directed by the European Union to foster closer ties between the two entities in pursuit of EU membership.
Kurti has faced challenges from Western allies over some of his government’s actions, including a prohibition on utilizing the Serbian dinar and restrictions on monetary transfers from Serbia to ethnic Albanians in Kosovo reliant on social services. Concerns have been raised about the potential for renewed ethnic tensions following these unilateral measures.
The EU had suspended funding for particular projects nearly two years ago, establishing conditions for potential future funding that hinges on reducing tensions in regions where most Serbs reside.
Political analyst Ilir Deda emphasized, “The new government must take decisive steps to restore credibility and partnership with the EU and United States, including fulfilling all obligations arising from the dialogue with Serbia.”
The normalization discussions with Serbia received scant attention during the electoral campaigns, despite remaining a critical concern. An EU spokesman highlighted the expectations for Kosovo’s forthcoming government to actively engage in constructive dialogue with Serbia, crucial for the integration of both parties into the EU.
Both the EU and U.S. have urged adherence to prior agreements regarding the formation of an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities in Kosovo and for Serbia to acknowledge Kosovo de facto.
In light of last year’s heightened tensions, KFOR has boosted its presence in Kosovo, adding further resources specifically for the electoral period. A contingent of 100 observers from the European Union, supplemented by 18 from the Council of Europe and a number of other international and local organizations, will oversee the election to ensure the integrity of the process.
