Kosovo Votes in Parliamentary Elections Amid Serbia Tensions

Kosovo’s parliamentary elections are critical as voters decide whether to continue Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s tough stance against Serbia or to opt for opposition leaders focused on economic improvement. Kurti’s Vetevendosje party aims to consolidate control over Serbian-influenced areas. The outcome will shape Kosovo’s stability and negotiations with Serbia amidst ongoing tensions and economic challenges.

Kosovars are casting their votes in parliamentary elections that may shape future negotiations with Serbia, which have been stalled since last year. Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who leads the Vetevendosje party, is campaigning on eliminating Serbian influence, while his opposition focuses primarily on economic issues. This electoral contest highlights the ongoing political and ethnic tensions in the region, particularly between Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian majority and the Serbian minority.

Kurti’s government seeks to dismantle Serbian institutions in Kosovo, further integrating the Serb-majority areas into the state framework. His party’s messaging has resonated with many ethnic Albanians, with polls suggesting Vetevendosje could secure a significant share of votes. At a recent campaign rally, Kurti called the election a historic referendum and emphasized the necessity of obtaining 500,000 votes to secure a majority.

Relations between Kosovo and Serbia remain fraught due to the longstanding political discord following the 1990s conflict. Serbia has not recognized Kosovo’s independence declared in 2008, and services from Serbian institutions continue to serve the local Serbian population. Since taking office, Kurti has implemented policies aimed at curtailing these services, amplifying tensions ahead of the elections.

Voting commenced early in the morning with expectations for exit polls to provide insights later in the day. Kurti’s administration has taken measures against the Serbian dinar, closing Serbian government offices in Kosovo, which has intensified existing ethnic divisions. Despite his government’s prior instability, Kurti has established himself as a significant political figure since assuming office after Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

Tension has escalated following the collapse of EU- and US-backed negotiations in March 2023, leading to instances of violence and unrest between Serbs and Albanians. Many observers express concern over Kurti’s confrontational approach, which some argue neglects opportunities for bilateral economic development. However, Kurti’s supporters remain steadfast in their belief in his leadership and vision for Kosovo’s future.

Opposition parties are leveraging the widespread economic difficulties facing Kosovo, which has one of Europe’s poorest economies and significant emigration since 2011. Prominent opposition figures, such as Xhavit Haliti from the Democratic Party of Kosovo, criticize Kurti for his strained relations with international allies and for failing to address crucial economic issues. Other parties are promising socioeconomic reforms if elected.

The parliamentary elections in Kosovo come amid complex and ongoing tensions with Serbia, which continue to affect regional stability and governance. Since Kosovo declared independence in 2008, its relationship with Serbia has been marked by conflict and failed negotiations. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s administration has focused on asserting Kosovo’s sovereignty and reducing Serbian influence, which has been controversial among opposition factions that emphasize economic growth and stability.

The ongoing elections will serve as a pivotal moment for Kosovo, determining the direction of its leadership and relations with Serbia. While Kurti’s hardline approach resonates with many voters supportive of reducing Serbian influence, the opposition’s focus on economic issues highlights the internal challenges the country faces. As the results unfold, they will reveal whether voters favor continuity in leadership or seek a shift towards more cooperative governance.

Original Source: www.france24.com