Kosovo held a snap parliamentary election on Sunday, the second in less than a year, as the Self-Determination Movement (LVV) party of Prime Minister Albin Kurti sought a majority to resolve a year of political impasse. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (06:00 GMT) and closed at 7 p.m. (18:00 GMT), with exit polls anticipated shortly after.
The early election was triggered after Kurti's LVV failed to establish a governing coalition despite securing the largest share of votes in the February 9 election. The inability to form a government and reconvene parliament threatened to prolong the political crisis at a crucial juncture, with lawmakers facing an April deadline to elect a new president and approve 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) in loan agreements from the European Union.
The political deadlock stems from disagreements over the formation of a stable coalition government and differing visions for Kosovo's future, particularly concerning relations with Serbia. The LVV advocates for a more assertive stance in negotiations with Serbia, emphasizing reciprocity and addressing war crimes issues.
Failure to elect a president would necessitate yet another round of elections, further destabilizing the political landscape and potentially hindering Kosovo's progress on key reforms and international agreements. The EU loan agreements are considered vital for Kosovo's economic recovery and development.
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