Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti led the left-wing Vetevendosje! party to win a plurality in the recent elections but fell short of a parliamentary majority. Now, he must find coalition partners to form a government amid socio-economic challenges and strained relations with Serbia. The voter turnout was 40.6%, with Kurti emphasizing the victory of his party and the public’s will to govern effectively.
In the recent parliamentary elections held in Kosovo, Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s left-wing party, Vetevendosje!, emerged as the largest party, securing 41.3% of the votes counted thus far. However, this victory did not translate into a parliamentary majority, compelling Kurti to seek coalition partners to establish the next government. This election was significant as it represented the first full four-year mandate of Kosovo’s parliament since its independence in 2008.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) followed with 21.8% of the vote, while the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) garnered 17.8%. The Alliance for Kosovo’s Future, led by former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, received 7.7%. Despite the need for collaboration, Kurti expressed optimism, stating, “The people won. Vetevendosje! won. We are the winners who will form the next Cabinet.”
With a preliminary voter turnout of 40.6%, the election’s results were collected manually due to overwhelming public interest, causing temporary downtime on the election commission’s website. The newly elected parliament consists of 120 seats, including 20 reserved for minority parties. Kurti’s administration must confront significant challenges, including the suspended foreign aid from the United States and European Union, necessitating improvements to public services and economic growth in one of Europe’s poorest nations.
It is anticipated that Kurti will aim to mend relations with Western powers, particularly following actions that raised tensions among both Serbia and Kosovo’s ethnic Serbs. The ethnic Serb minority, reliant on Belgrade for support, saw diminished representation in the recent elections, as their leading party, Srpska Lista, captured only 2.8% of the vote. On the ground, the NATO-led KFOR has reinforced its presence in Kosovo amidst ongoing tensions.
International observers including a team from the EU and numerous local organizations monitored the election to ensure transparency. Reports indicate that political dynamics in Kosovo remain volatile, with the next government facing the pressure of negotiating with Serbia and addressing the needs of an impoverished population that struggles with poverty and underdeveloped social services.
The recent parliamentary elections in Kosovo highlighted Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s party winning the most seats but lacking a majority, necessitating coalition negotiations. With previously suspended foreign aid and ongoing socio-economic issues, Kurti’s administration faces critical challenges ahead. The outcome of these elections may impact Kosovo’s future relations with Serbia and the international community, while efforts to stabilize the region continue to shape its political landscape.
Original Source: apnews.com
