Kosovo’s Ruling Party Leads Elections but Struggles for Majority

Kosovo’s recent parliamentary elections saw Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s ruling party leading but failing to secure a majority. The elections revealed a deep-seated conflict between Kurti’s anti-Serbian policies and the opposition’s economic promises. With a fragmented political landscape, extended coalition negotiations are likely as the region grapples with longstanding ethnic tensions and economic challenges.

In the recent parliamentary elections in Kosovo, Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s ruling party, Vetevendosje (Self-Determination), emerged as the leading party but did not achieve a majority. The election highlighted a fundamental clash between Kurti’s strong stance against Serbian influence and the opposition’s focus on economic revitalization in a nation marked by poverty. With no party securing a clear majority in the 120-seat assembly, Kosovo faces a period of coalition negotiations.

Kurti’s party is projected to have received approximately 42% of the votes, according to a leading news outlet, KOHA. The opposition parties, including the right-leaning Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), received about 21% and 20%, respectively. Turnout for the elections was noted to be around 40%, and due to a vote tallying software malfunction, officials resorted to counting ballots by hand.

The history of animosity between Kosovo and Serbia, stemming from the brutal conflict of the late 1990s, continues to influence elections. Serbia has maintained its non-recognition of Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence, leading to tensions, particularly regarding issues like currency and Serbian government operations within Kosovo. Kurti has taken significant steps to mitigate Serbian influence in various sectors.

Despite paving the way for Kosovo’s first government to complete its full term since independence, Kurti’s governance has not been without challenges. Following the collapse of EU- and US-mediated talks with Serbia earlier this year, tensions escalated, exemplified by violence against NATO peacekeepers. Kurti’s steadfast approach has sometimes conflicted with Kosovo’s strategic relations with Western allies.

Amidst calls for economic reform, opposition leaders criticize Kurti for lacking effective governance, accusing him of prioritizing defiance over collaboration with the international community. Still, Kurti’s supporters commend his vision for an independent Kosovo, despite criticisms of his confrontational policies. Economic concerns remain paramount among voters, many of whom expressed a desire for change in the elections.

Kosovo has faced ongoing political and economic challenges since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008. The political landscape is often marked by deep ethnic divisions, particularly between the ethnic Albanians and Serbs. Prime Minister Albin Kurti recently campaigned on a platform that emphasizes reducing Serbian influence while also dealing with economic issues plaguing one of Europe’s poorest regions. The recent parliamentary elections reflect the ongoing tensions and the need for coalition governance.

The parliamentary elections in Kosovo have resulted in a fragmented political landscape where no party achieved a clear majority. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s leading party will likely engage in coalition discussions to form a stable government. The tension between pursuing economic development and maintaining a strong stance against Serbian influence is pivotal as Kosovo moves forward in its political journey. Economic concerns echoed throughout the election highlight the public’s desire for substantial change.

Original Source: www.france24.com