In a political rollercoaster that has left Kosovo’s future hanging in the balance, an exit poll has stunned observers by forecasting an unexpected outcome in Sunday’s parliamentary election. According to the poll, the ruling party Vetevendosje, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, is set to clinch the highest number of votes but is projected to fall short of a majority in the 120-seat parliament.
The poll results indicate that Vetevendosje is poised to secure 42% of the vote, translating to 47 parliamentary seats. This puts them ahead of their political rivals, with the centre-left governing party expected to outperform the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) at 21%, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) at 20%, and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) at 6%.
Prime Minister Kurti’s ascent to power in 2021 through a coalition victory that garnered over 50% of the vote seemed to signal a period of stability. However, his administration’s assertive policies in the ethnic-Serb majority north have raised concerns among Kosovo’s key allies, the EU and the US. While Kurti’s popularity has soared due to his firm stance on territorial control, opposition parties have criticized his handling of economic affairs and advocate for a more conciliatory approach.
The center-right LDK has campaigned on a platform of NATO accession and reestablishing ties with the US, while the PDK, also center-right, boasts a legacy rooted in the Kosovo Liberation Army. Vlora Citaku, the deputy PDK leader, expressed optimism about the party’s performance, stating, “We are proud of the campaign and the election day. We await the results, but already we have reason to be optimistic.”
On the other side of the spectrum, AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj, a former prime minister, signaled a willingness to collaborate in forming an opposition government to thwart Kurti’s return to power. With 10 parliamentary seats mandated for the Serb minority under Kosovo’s constitution, tensions loom as these MPs signal a reluctance to cooperate with Vetevendosje. Additionally, 10 seats are designated for other minority ethnic groups, historically aligned with Vetevendosje’s “self-determination” ethos.
The unresolved question of Kosovo’s independence, declared in 2008 but contested by Serbia and its ally Russia, continues to shape the country’s political landscape. While the US and major EU nations have recognized Kosovo, internal divisions persist, with ethnic Serbs within Kosovo and Serbia remaining steadfast in their rejection.
As the dust settles on the election chaos, Kosovo stands at a crossroads, grappling with divergent visions for its future. The outcome of these elections not only determines the composition of the parliament but also sets the tone for Kosovo’s geopolitical stance and internal cohesion in the
