Kosovo heads to the polls for the third time in 16 months

Voters in Kosovo went to the polls for a third general election in 16 months. The snap vote follows a prolonged stalemate over the election of the parliament speaker and the formation of a government. According to the Central Election Commission, more than 1.9 million registered voters will decide among the main parties competing for the 130 seats.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetëvendosje is ahead in the polls but is likely to need a coalition to secure a majority. Opposition parties such as the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) argue that the economy is heading into stagnation and that the failure to form a government has paralysed infrastructure projects. The European Commission is asking for a stable government in order to launch EU accession talks.

The Central Bank of Kosovo has revised growth estimates from 3.2 percent to 1.8 percent, and foreign direct investment in the first half of 2025 fell by 22 percent year-on-year. Relations with Serbia, tensions around Mitrovica and diaspora turnout will also weigh on the first results expected late at night. The EU delegation is observing the election in person.