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, led by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, garnered 50.8% of the vote, paving the way for Kurti's third term in power. 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% respectively.
The election comes after months of political deadlock in Kosovo. Vetevendosje won elections in February but failed to secure a majority, leaving the country without a functioning government. The recent election was the second parliamentary election this year, prompted by the previous impasse in the National Assembly. The central question was whether voters would punish Kurti for the months of deadlock or the opposition parties for refusing to form a coalition with Vetevendosje.
While the election results represent a significant win for Vetevendosje, the party may still need coalition partners to govern effectively. The final seat count will determine the composition of the new government and the extent to which Kurti will need to compromise with other parties.
The political landscape in Kosovo has been marked by instability and challenges in forming stable governments. Vetevendosje's platform focuses on anti-corruption measures and economic reforms, resonating with a significant portion of the electorate. However, the party's nationalist stance has also drawn criticism from some quarters.
The election results are expected to have a significant impact on Kosovo's relations with Serbia and the ongoing dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between the two countries. Kurti has taken a firm stance on the issue of reciprocity in relations with Serbia, which could complicate the negotiation process.
The coming days will be crucial as Vetevendosje engages in negotiations with other parties to form a coalition government. The composition of the new government will determine the direction of Kosovo's policies and its approach to key challenges, including economic development, the fight against corruption, and relations with its neighbors.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment