Kosovo Holds Parliamentary Election Following Stalemate

PRISTINA — Kosovo will hold a parliamentary election on Sunday after political parties did not agree on replacing former President Vjosa Osmani. Osmani's mandate ended in late March.

Neither Prime Minister Albin Kurti nor opposition lawmakers secured the 80 legislative votes required to elect a president. The president of Kosovo requires votes from at least 80 of the 120 members of Parliament for appointment.

Kurti is campaigning for re-election. His Vetevendosje party has held a parliamentary majority since an election in December. Kurti stated that opposition parties created a political crisis and forced repeated elections. He declined to support Osmani for a second presidential term.

The Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic League of Kosovo stated that Kurti is seeking complete control over political institutions. Osmani is running on the Democratic League party list.

Vlora Kryeziu, a businessperson, commented on the situation. Kryeziu said, "The same scenario is being repeated." She added, "As a citizen, I have a lot of dissatisfaction, and I think that we as a society are not doing enough to change these things."

European Council President Antonio Costa issued remarks regarding Kosovo's political situation. Costa said, "The European Union can support Kosovo, but it cannot do Kosovo’s own homework." He added, "Kosovo needs strong, stable and functioning institutions capable of delivering reforms and seizing the opportunities the European Union offers."

A political analyst, Artan Muhaxiri, observed the ongoing situation. Muhaxiri said, "There are no indications that political leaders are willing to change their actual stances and narrow the existing gap."

Kosovo's political stalemate has delayed its access to EU and international funding. Kosovo is pursuing membership in both the EU and NATO.

An inconclusive election in February 2025 left Kosovo without a fully functioning government, which prompted a second election in December. Kosovo has approximately 2 million registered voters. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.