Kurti Claims Victory in Kosovo Election but Faces Coalition Challenges

Pristina, Kosovo – Kosovo held parliamentary elections on Sunday, February 9, 2025, viewed by many as a referendum on Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Polling stations have now closed. Preliminary results indicate Kurti’s Vetevendosje (LVV) party is in the lead but may fall short of a majority to govern independently, potentially leading to a coalition government.

Exit surveys conducted by Klan Kosova TV showed Vetevendosje securing around 38.2% of the votes1. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) is projected to come in second with 22.4%, and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) is expected to garner 20.1%.

Another exit poll by the Koha News portal, indicated LVV secured 42% of the votes. Maja Blazevska, reporting for Al Jazeera from Pristina, indicated that Vetevendosje will need to engage in discussions with potential coalition partners to establish a government.

The election saw a low turnout, with only 28.7% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 3:00 PM CET2. Parties campaigned on pledges to increase public salaries and pensions, improve education and health services, and fight poverty, but offered few specifics on funding.

Approximately 2 million eligible citizens were expected to participate in the voting process across 941 polling places4.Kurti ascended to power in 2021, yet his actions to enhance government authority in predominantly ethnic-Serb northern regions have created friction with the EU and the US.

The United States, the European Union and the NATO-led stabilization force KFOR have urged the government in Pristina to refrain from unilateral actions, fearing the revival of inter-ethnic conflict.

The outcome of this election will play a crucial role in deciding the leadership for ongoing discussions aimed at normalizing relations with Serbia, which have faced stagnation in the past year.

Negotiations facilitated by the United States and the European Union have not been prioritized by any political party.