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Kosovo Ruling Party Secures Victory in Contentious Election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 4:17 GMT by BBC

Kosovo Ruling Party Secures Victory Amidst Tensions and Low Turnout in Contentious Election

Kosovo’s ruling Vetëvendosje (VV) party, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, has secured victory in snap parliamentary elections held on Sunday, October 16th, but the win is far from decisive and comes amidst a backdrop of heightened political tensions, accusations of electoral irregularities, and disappointingly low voter turnout. While VV maintains its position as the leading party, their reduced majority presents significant challenges for Kurti’s government moving forward and raises questions about Kosovo's future trajectory regarding relations with Serbia and international partners.

The election was triggered by a motion of no confidence passed in March after a controversial agreement to form a coalition government with the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) collapsed. This collapse stemmed from disagreements over Kurti’s handling of negotiations with Serbia, particularly concerning the implementation of a European Union-brokered plan for normalization – a plan that many Kosovar politicians and citizens view as overly favorable to Belgrade. The initial coalition breakdown highlighted deep divisions within Kosovo's political landscape regarding how best to approach these crucial talks.

According to preliminary results reported by the Central Election Commission (CEC), Vetëvendosje garnered approximately 47% of the vote, securing around 58 seats in the 120-seat parliament. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), led by Kadri Veseli, came in second with roughly 17%, followed by the League for Democratic Advancement (Lidhja Demokratike e Kosovës – LDK) at approximately 13%. Other parties, including the Serbian List (Lista Srpska), which represents Kosovo’s Serb minority and is closely aligned with Belgrade, also secured representation. (For a detailed breakdown of results, see [ https://www.cec-ks.net/rezultate-zgjedhore/ ]).

While VV’s victory allows Kurti to potentially form another government, the reduced majority significantly weakens his power and necessitates compromise with other parties. Previously enjoying a comfortable majority, Kurti now faces a more fragmented parliament where coalition building will be essential for legislative success. This makes pushing through ambitious reforms and navigating complex international negotiations considerably more difficult.

The low voter turnout – estimated at around 46% - is a particularly concerning factor. This represents the lowest turnout in Kosovo's post-independence election history, signaling widespread apathy or disillusionment among the electorate. Several factors likely contributed to this disengagement, including frustration with political infighting, perceptions of corruption, and a general lack of faith in politicians’ ability to deliver tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. The low turnout also raises questions about the legitimacy of the government moving forward.

The election was not without controversy. Accusations of irregularities were leveled by several opposition parties, particularly concerning the conduct of voting in areas with significant Serb populations. These accusations centered on reports of intimidation and pressure tactics aimed at discouraging Serbs from participating in the electoral process. The Serbian List, backed by Belgrade, has consistently argued that Kosovo’s institutions are biased against Serbs and that their rights are not adequately protected. These concerns underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring fair and inclusive elections across all communities within Kosovo. (See also [ https://www.balkaninsight.com/en/kosovo-election-2023-serbian-list-accuses-vetevendosje-of-intimidation/ ] for more on these accusations).

Kurti’s victory, despite the challenges, represents a mandate to continue his policy agenda, which prioritizes tackling corruption, strengthening rule of law, and pursuing closer ties with Western partners. However, his approach to relations with Serbia remains a significant point of contention. Kurti has consistently advocated for a more assertive stance towards Belgrade, demanding accountability for war crimes and rejecting compromises that he believes undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty. The EU-brokered normalization plan, which includes elements such as establishing an Association/Community of Serb Municipalities within Kosovo, is particularly contentious.

The international community, including the United States and the European Union, has urged Kurti to engage constructively with Serbia and implement the normalization plan. They view progress in this area as crucial for regional stability and Kosovo’s eventual accession to the EU. Kurti's reduced majority will likely increase pressure from these external actors to adopt a more conciliatory approach.

Looking ahead, Kurti faces the daunting task of forming a stable coalition government, addressing concerns about electoral irregularities, and navigating complex negotiations with Serbia while maintaining domestic support. The outcome of these efforts will have significant implications for Kosovo’s political stability, economic development, and its relationship with both Belgrade and the wider international community. The reduced majority necessitates skillful negotiation and compromise, potentially forcing Kurti to moderate his policies and build bridges with opposition parties who hold differing views on key issues. Ultimately, the success of Kurti's next term will depend on his ability to unite a divided nation and address the deep-seated grievances that continue to plague Kosovo’s political landscape.

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