Kosovo's ruling Vetevendosje party secured a landslide victory in parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released Sunday. With 90% of the votes counted, the Albanian nationalist party, also known as "self-determination," garnered 50.8% of the vote, paving the way for a third term for its leader, Albin Kurti.
The two main opposition parties, the center-right Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), trailed behind with 20.98% and 13.89% of the vote, respectively. The election comes after months of political deadlock following Vetevendosje's victory in February, which failed to produce a governing majority.
The extended impasse raised questions about whether voters would penalize Kurti for the prolonged stalemate in the National Assembly or the opposition parties for refusing to form a coalition with Vetevendosje. The electorate's decisive support for Kurti suggests a desire for strong leadership and a rejection of the political gridlock that has plagued the country.
While the victory represents a significant mandate for Kurti, the results indicate that Vetevendosje may still need coalition partners to secure a governing majority in parliament. Negotiations with other parties are expected to commence in the coming days to form a stable government.
The election marks Kosovo's second parliamentary election this year, highlighting the political instability that has gripped the nation. The new government will face numerous challenges, including addressing economic concerns, combating corruption, and navigating relations with Serbia.
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