Albin Kurti and Vetevendosje party secure lead in Kosovo early elections

According to unofficial results from the early general elections held in Kosovo, the Vetevendosje party, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, secured 50.2% of the vote.

Based on 87% of the counted votes, this result has accelerated efforts to form a new government for the party, which failed to secure a majority in the February elections.

The elections, held following President Vjosa Osmani’s dissolution of parliament last month, aim to end the administrative vacuum that has persisted in the country for months.

Analysts are assessing whether Vetevendosje will secure 61 seats in the 120-seat parliament to govern alone or if it will need to form a small coalition.

Speaking to Reuters, Ismet Kryeziu of the Kosovo Democratic Institute noted that the results are not yet final, stating, “While it appears difficult for Kurti to form a government alone, governing with a small coalition will be quite easy.”

It is suggested that Kurti may require the support of smaller Albanian parties or minority parties to form his cabinet.

Among the main opposition parties, the Democratic Party received 20.7% of the vote, while the Democratic League secured 14%. The opposition parties reiterated that they would not participate in a government led by Kurti.

The opposition, accusing the Prime Minister of mismanaging relations with Western allies and failing to resolve tensions with the Serb minority in the north, had gone to the polls with a promise of change.

In a video message released after the exit polls, Kurti stated, “The will of the citizens is currently in the ballot boxes. Protecting this will is fundamental to the legitimacy and credibility of the election process.”

The Prime Minister continues to hold the opposition responsible for the political deadlock.

One of the major risks facing Kosovo is the potential for the crisis to extend into 2026 if a government cannot be formed. The Kosovo parliament must begin its work immediately to approve loans totaling 1 billion euros from the EU and the World Bank.

For the upcoming term, Kurti has pledged additional pay for public sector employees and the establishment of a new prosecution unit to combat organized crime.

Citizens’ belief in change is diminishing

Following the elections, where official data showed voter turnout at 45%, citizens who voted in Pristina expressed cautious optimism.

Rexhep Karakashi, 58, stated, “We want the new government to create the necessary conditions for young people to stay here.”

Doctor Edi Krasiqi expressed his pessimism regarding the political landscape, saying, “Whether Kurti wins or the opposition wins, there will be no great joy. This country needs radical changes, and I do not see that change.”

Kosovo declared its independence in 2008 with the support of the US, following the NATO intervention in the country in 1999.

Kurti’s previous term, which began in 2021, marked the first time in Kosovo’s history that a government completed its full mandate.