Kosovo Heads To Election Amid Tensions With Serbia

Kosovo goes to polls on Sunday after a combative election campaign in which opposition candidates clashed with Prime Minister Albin Kurti over the economy, corruption and relations with the country’s old foe and neighbour Serbia.

Kurti, a leftist and Albanian nationalist, came to power in the small Balkan country in 2021 when a coalition run by his Vetevendosje party received more than 50% of votes and secured a seven-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament.

Political analysts say his popularity has been bolstered by moves to extend government control in Kosovo’s ethnic Serb-majority north. But critics say he has failed to deliver on education and health, and his policies have distanced Kosovo from its traditional allies, the European Union and the United States.

“It is a new day. I thank all the citizens who have already cast their vote and I encourage every citizen to vote,” Kurti said after casting his ballot.

The EU placed economic curbs on the country in 2023 for its role in stoking tensions with ethnic Serbs, cutting at least 150 million euros ($155 million) in funding, Reuters has found.

A drop below 50% of the votes for Kurti’s party could prompt coalition talks after the election.

“Kosovo needs a change. It needs development and above all it needs to fix and cultivate relations with the United States and other West (European) friends,” said Ilir Fetahu, 50, who voted in capital Pristina.

Opposition parties include the centre-right Democratic League of Kosovo which has campaigned on restoring relations with the United States and the EU, and joining NATO; and the Democratic Party of Kosovo, also centre-right, founded by former guerrilla fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

“I am optimistic. It was long campaign,” said Bedri Hamza, Democratic Party of Kosovo candidate for prime minister.

Nearly two million voters are registered in Kosovo. Voting started at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) and will end at 7 p.m. Exit polls are expected soon after, and results later into the night.

Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma