Kosovo is holding its first parliamentary election since 2021, with voters choosing 120 lawmakers. The election marks the first time since Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008 that its parliament has completed a full four-year term.
Kosovo is holding its first parliamentary election since 2021, with voters choosing 120 lawmakers from 26 political groupings and one independent candidate. This election marks the first time since Kosovo 's declaration of independence in 2008 that its parliament has completed a full four-year term. Eligible voters, including those living abroad, will cast their ballots from 7 am to 7 pm.
Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti's left-wing Vetevendosje! Party is considered the frontrunner but is unlikely to secure the majority required to govern alone. This opens up the possibility of coalitions with other major parties, including the Kosovo Democratic Party and the Democratic League of Kosovo, if Kurti fails to form a cabinet.During the campaign, political parties promised to increase public salaries and pensions, improve education and healthcare services, and combat poverty. However, they lacked concrete explanations regarding funding sources and strategies for attracting foreign investment. Lumir Abdixhiku of the Democratic League of Kosovo emphasized their commitment to providing a better life for Kosovo citizens. Kosovo, a nation of 1.6 million people, is one of Europe's poorest countries with a gross domestic product per capita of less than 6,000 Euros. The United States has been a crucial economic partner, investing over $2 billion in Kosovo since 1999, including over $1 billion from USAID. However, Kurti's government has faced criticism from Western powers due to actions like banning the use of the Serbian dinar and restricting transfers from Serbia to Kosovo citizens relying on social services. Washington, Brussels, and NATO's KFOR peacekeeping force have urged Kosovo to avoid unilateral actions, fearing a resurgence of inter-ethnic conflict. The EU suspended funding for certain projects almost two years ago and has set conditions for its gradual reinstatement, contingent upon Kosovo taking steps to de-escalate tensions in the north, where the majority of Serbs reside.The EU-facilitated normalization talks with Serbia received limited attention during the election campaign, despite continued tensions. The European Commission spokesperson stressed the EU's expectation for Kosovo's new government to engage constructively in these talks, emphasizing their significance for both Serbia and Kosovo's integration paths. The EU and international community have urged both sides to implement agreements reached two years ago, including Kosovo's commitment to establish an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities and Serbia's de facto recognition of Kosovo. A team of 100 observers from the European Union, 18 from the Council of Europe, and numerous others from international and local organizations will monitor the election
Kosovo Election Parliament Albin Kurti Vetevendosje Serbia EU NATO
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