Kosovo Prime Minister Seeks Coalition After Election Without Majority

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s party won the most seats but did not secure a parliamentary majority following recent elections, necessitating coalition discussions. The election was significant as it marked the first full term for Kosovo’s parliament since 2008. Challenges ahead include rekindling ties with Western allies, addressing economic needs, and fulfilling public expectations amid stalled international relations with Serbia.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s leftwing party emerged with the highest number of seats during the recent parliamentary election, yet it lacks the majority needed to govern independently. Consequently, Kurti is now tasked with finding allies to establish a coalition government. These elections were critical as they transpired against the backdrop of stalled negotiations with Serbia and uncertainties surrounding foreign aid.

This election was historic, marking the first instance since Kosovo’s 2008 independence in which the parliament completed its full four-year mandate. The vote represented the ninth parliamentary election since the cessation of conflict in 1999, following a NATO military intervention that expelled Serbian forces. It is worth noting that Serbia continues to reject Kosovo’s sovereignty.

With 88% of votes counted, Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement Party (Vetevendosje!) secured 41.3% of the electorate’s support, as confirmed by the Central Election Commission. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) trailed with 21.8%, while the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) received 17.8%. The Alliance for Kosovo’s Future, led by former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, obtained 7.7%.

Despite the lack of a parliamentary majority, Kurti remained positive, stating, “The people won. Vetevendosje! won. We are the winners who will form the next Cabinet.” This statement was made as his supporters marked the occasion with celebrations. The electoral commission faced technical difficulties, including a temporary website outage, due to the heightened interest in the results.

Voter turnout was recorded at 40.6%, which reflects a decrease of approximately 7% compared to the previous election cycle. Kosovo’s 120-seat parliament reserves 20 seats for minority groups, with 10 specifically allocated for the Serb minority.

As Prime Minister, Kurti will confront various challenges, including diminished foreign aid following the United States’ recent funding freeze and the European Union’s suspension of certain projects. There is also a pressing need to address social issues such as increasing public wages, enhancing healthcare and education systems, and tackling poverty in a nation with a GDP of less than $6,000 per capita.

Furthermore, Kurti faces the added responsibility of mending relationships with Western allies, which have been strained due to contentious policies regarding Serbian currency and transfers affecting Kosovo’s ethnic Serbs. The United States, the EU, and the NATO-led KFOR stabilization force have urged the Koug government to avoid unilateral actions that could rekindle ethnic tensions.

In the recent election, Srpska Lista, representing the ethnic Serb minority, garnered 2.8% of the vote, which is a significant decrease from their previous standings. The party’s leader, Zlatan Elek, proclaimed it to be the “absolute winner of this election” and extended gratitude to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for his continued support. KFOR had also increased its presence due to prior tensions and the election’s potential for conflict.

In summary, Kosovo’s recent parliamentary election resulted in a victory for Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s party, which, despite earning the most votes, failed to achieve a governing majority. This outcome compels Kurti to seek coalition partners while navigating various challenges, such as strained international relations and the need for internal reform in a nation facing significant socio-economic struggles. The results of this election hold critical implications for Kosovo’s political direction and its ongoing relationship with Serbia.

Original Source: www.voanews.com