N※N

Kosovo Election Exit Poll: Kurti's LDK Projected to Win

68

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. tion-exit-poll-kurti-s-ldk-projected-to-win.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 13:09 GMT by reuters.com

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-28 224 x 224 / 6849 Bytes

2025-12-29 224 x 224 / 9891 Bytes

2025-11-19 249 x 202 / 12674 Bytes

2025-12-29 198 x 224 / 8615 Bytes

Kosovo Ruling Party Poised to Secure Victory Amidst Low Turnout and Tensions

Kosovo’s ruling Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, is projected to win the snap parliamentary elections held on December 28th, according to an exit poll released shortly after voting concluded. While a definitive result isn't yet available, the exit poll suggests a victory for Kurti’s coalition, albeit with potentially reduced representation in parliament and amidst concerns about low voter turnout and simmering ethnic tensions. The election was triggered by a vote of no confidence earlier this year, highlighting the political instability that has plagued the small Balkan nation.

Kurti's Popularity and Challenges:

Albin Kurti’s government, formed in 2021 with the LDK as its core component, gained significant international recognition for its efforts to combat corruption and strengthen rule of law within Kosovo. He also pursued a more assertive foreign policy, particularly concerning relations with Serbia (more on that below). However, his confrontational approach and sometimes uncompromising stance have also drawn criticism domestically and internationally. This election was widely seen as a referendum on Kurti’s leadership style and the overall direction of Kosovo's governance.

The exit poll indicates that despite these challenges, Kurti retains considerable support. His LDK, alongside its coalition partners – the Self-Determination Movement (Vediendje) – are expected to secure enough seats to form a new government. However, the exit poll suggests a potential loss of parliamentary majority compared to the previous election in 2021. This would likely necessitate further coalition building and compromise to ensure stability.

Low Turnout: A Key Concern:

One of the most significant aspects of this election was the alarmingly low voter turnout. Preliminary figures suggest that only around 45% of eligible voters cast their ballots, a substantial decrease compared to previous elections. This represents a significant challenge for the legitimacy and future direction of the government. Low participation often reflects public apathy, disillusionment with political processes, or a sense that no candidate adequately addresses voter concerns. In Kosovo's context, it also points towards deeper societal divisions and potentially a lack of faith in the ability of politicians to deliver meaningful change.

The low turnout is particularly concerning given the critical juncture Kosovo finds itself at. The country faces numerous challenges including economic stagnation, high youth unemployment, and ongoing tensions with Serbia. A government formed with limited public mandate could struggle to implement reforms and address these pressing issues effectively.

Ethnic Tensions and Minority Representation:

Kosovo's political landscape is deeply intertwined with its complex ethnic dynamics. While Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 (a move still not recognized by Belgrade or several other countries), the relationship between Pristina (the capital of Kosovo) and Belgrade remains fraught with tension. The Serbian minority, concentrated primarily in northern Kosovo, has historically been reluctant to participate fully in Kosovar political institutions.

This election saw a focus on ensuring adequate representation for the Serbian community, as mandated by international agreements. Parties representing Serbs are expected to secure seats in parliament, but their influence will depend on their ability to build alliances and navigate the complex political landscape. The ongoing issue of license plates – with Serbia issuing plates that include names of towns within Kosovo - has recently escalated tensions, highlighting the fragility of the relationship. The new government will be under pressure to address this and other issues impacting the Serbian minority and improve inter-ethnic relations.

Other Parties & Potential Coalitions:

Beyond the LDK-led coalition, several other parties contested the election. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), historically a dominant force in Kosovar politics, is expected to perform relatively well but likely fall short of securing enough votes for a majority government on its own. The League of Patriots (Lidhja e Patriotëve) and other smaller parties representing various ideologies also participated.

Following the exit poll results, coalition negotiations are expected to begin swiftly. Kurti will need to reach out to potential partners – including PDK or representatives of the Serbian community – to secure a stable majority in parliament. The composition of this new government will significantly shape Kosovo's future policies on issues ranging from economic development and EU accession to relations with Serbia and regional stability.

Looking Ahead:

The snap elections were called after Kurti’s government lost a no-confidence vote triggered by disagreements over a deal with North Macedonia regarding border controls, which was seen as ceding sovereignty. This event underscored the fragility of political alliances in Kosovo. The exit poll suggesting a victory for Kurti's coalition indicates that voters still largely support his vision, but the potential loss of a parliamentary majority and the low voter turnout signal significant challenges ahead. The new government will face immense pressure to address pressing economic and social issues, mend ethnic divisions, and navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Balkans while striving towards eventual EU membership. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the shape of Kosovo's future political direction.

Sources:

• Reuters Report: [ https://www.reuters.com/world/kosovos-ruling-party-set-win-vote-exit-poll-shows-2025-12-28/ ]