Sunday's election, the nation's third in just over a year, was characterized by low voter turnout. The ongoing political crisis has further weakened an already struggling economy.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje party secured the largest share of votes in a snap election on Sunday, but did not obtain enough support to form a government alone.
Results from nearly all polling stations indicated that Kurti's Vetevendosje party garnered close to 43% of the vote. This represents a decline from its performance in the previous election in December, where it achieved 51%.
The opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) received 21% and 17% of the vote, respectively.
This election marks the third in 16 months, with the volatile political climate adversely impacting Kosovo's economy and its European Union ambitions.
Why is Kosovo holding snap elections?
The vote was triggered after the primary political parties failed to choose a new head of state to succeed former President Vjosa Osmani within the mandated period.
Although Kurti's center-left Vetevendosje party holds a clear parliamentary majority, a president must secure at least 80 votes in the 120-seat assembly.
In recent parliamentary votes, an insufficient number of lawmakers were present in the chamber to permit a valid election due to an opposition boycott.
At least one major opposition party must back any candidate, as Vetevendosje and its allies do not form a sufficient quorum.
Who is taking part in Sunday's election in Kosovo?
Kurti achieved his parliamentary majority with the support of ethnic minority MPs in a December election that followed an inconclusive vote in February 2025.
He is now facing challenges from the two main opposition groups, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).
Former President Osmani is running on the LDK ticket in the election, as she has withdrawn her support for Kurti after he declined to endorse her for a second term.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 following a 1998-1999 war, during which Serbia withdrew after a NATO bombing campaign.
Kosovo has been recognized by the US and most EU nations, but not by Serbia and its allies, Russia and China.
Pristina and Belgrade have been informed that they must set aside their differences if they wish to advance in their EU membership applications.
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko
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