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Kosovo Heads Toward an Early Election as Parliamentary Deadlock Persists

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 16:17 GMT by WNYT NewsChannel 13

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Kosovo Heads Toward an Early Election as Parliamentary Deadlock Persists

In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape the political landscape of the Balkan region, Kosovo’s parliament appears set to call for an early general election after lawmakers failed to elect a new government. The failure came after nine consecutive voting rounds that left the newly elected legislature — which holds 120 seats — still without a functioning cabinet. The stalemate has deepened a crisis that has already tested the resilience of Kosovo’s fledgling democracy and its international relationships.

The 2021 Election and the Post‑Election Puzzle

The latest legislative election, held on 3 March 2021, produced a fractured parliament. Vetëvendosje (VV), the anti‑corruption and pro‑independence movement led by Albin Kurti, emerged as the largest party with 31 seats, but this fell short of the 61 needed for an outright majority. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Socialist Party of Kosovo (PSK) together held 29 seats, while the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the Serbian minority parties (the Coalition for a European Kosovo and the Serbian Progressive Party) held the remaining 60 seats, each holding 10 seats that could tip the balance.

The 2021 election was widely viewed as a referendum on the legitimacy of Kosovo’s democratic institutions and on the country’s ability to maintain stable governance. While the opposition parties were united in their condemnation of the election’s integrity, the ruling parties formed a shaky coalition that relied on the support of Serbian‑aligned minority groups.

The Nine Failed Votes

After the election, the first Prime Ministerial candidate — the incumbent, Albin Kurti — faced a series of dead‑lifts that left the parliament in limbo. In the first round on 13 March, Kurti was rejected by 61 votes against 59 in favor, with the remaining two abstentions. In subsequent rounds, the result remained the same until the tenth vote, when the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, formally denied Kurti the mandate, citing a lack of majority support.

The nine failed rounds, which took place over a period of three weeks, highlighted the deep divisions in the assembly. The opposition’s main demand is a clear path to democratic accountability, while the ruling coalition insists on maintaining a platform of stability. The Serbian minority parties have repeatedly indicated that their support is conditional on policies that protect the interests of Serbs in the country, a stance that is complicated by the presence of the United Nations–supported “Special Representative” for Kosovo and Serbia.

Constitutional Implications and the Role of the President

Under Kosovo’s constitution, the President has the authority to call for early parliamentary elections if a government cannot be formed within a specified time. The latest decision by the President to refuse to sign the government document for the ninth time effectively forces the legislature to look for a new path.

The constitution also provides that if a new government cannot be formed after 45 days, a second round of elections is required. By refusing to sign the government, President Osmani is exercising her prerogative but also exposing the country to a constitutional crisis that could last months.

A link to the official “Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo” (available on the Ministry of Justice’s website) clarifies the procedural details and the President’s discretion in such situations. According to the constitution, the President’s decision is irrevocable unless the Parliament passes a motion to dismiss her.

International Reactions and Regional Stakes

The United Nations and the European Union have expressed concern about the stalemate, emphasizing the need for a quick and peaceful resolution. The EU has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation, with an emphasis on ensuring that any new government can maintain the country’s trajectory toward EU accession.

Meanwhile, Serbia’s diplomatic community in Belgrade has called for an early election that would allow Serbian minority parties to negotiate a stronger role. In a statement by the Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the need for “a stable political environment” was underscored.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department has reiterated its support for a “strong, democratic Kosovo” that is able to “manage internal tensions in a way that does not jeopardize the integrity of the region.”

The Stakes of an Early Vote

The looming election could have profound implications for Kosovo’s future. A new mandate could either consolidate the existing coalition or open the door for a new party to seize the political arena. The most likely candidates to challenge Vetëvendosje’s leadership are the PDK and PSK, which may find a coalition with the Serbian minority groups more viable.

However, an early vote also carries the risk of further polarization. The opposition parties, united in their skepticism of the 2021 election’s fairness, might capitalize on public dissatisfaction. A fragmented parliament could lead to a “hung” situation where any coalition would be fragile and short‑lived, potentially forcing another cycle of elections.

Conclusion

Kosovo’s political crisis has reached a tipping point. After nine failed attempts to elect a new government, the country stands on the precipice of an early election that could either end the stalemate or usher in a new era of uncertainty. The President’s refusal to sign the latest government document underscores the constitutional gravity of the situation and signals a call for an early vote.

As the international community watches closely, the stakes are high. The outcome will determine not only who leads the country but also the trajectory of Kosovo’s aspirations for EU membership and its role within the complex tapestry of Balkan politics.