Kosovo heads to a snap vote to end political deadlock

Kosovo heads to its second national election this year on Sunday, as the small Balkan nation attempts to break a political deadlock that threatens to plunge it into prolonged crisis.

The snap parliamentary vote comes after Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Self-Determination party won the most votes in February’s election but failed to form a governing coalition. The monthslong stalemate marks an unprecedented situation since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 following the 1998-99 war that ended with NATO intervention.

Political analysts suggest Kurti’s party remains the favorite but faces significant challenges in securing a parliamentary majority. Self-Determination won approximately 42% of votes in February, while the opposition Democratic League of Kosovo and the Democratic Party of Kosovo collectively garnered around 40%.

“Even a slight variation in Sunday’s voting numbers could prove decisive for the future distribution of power,” said Leart Hoxha, a Kosovo political analyst. Hoxha predicts Kurti might form a coalition with minority parties if his results improve, but added: “Otherwise, either a government is formed by the opposition parties and Self-Determination is left out, or we have a new election within a few months.”

The consequences of continued deadlock could be severe for Kosovo’s fragile economy. Without a functioning government, the country of 2 million has been unable to approve a budget for the coming year, raising concerns about financial stability in a nation already facing significant economic challenges.

Further complicating matters, lawmakers must elect a new president in March as current President Vjosa Osmani’s term expires in early April. Failure to do so would trigger yet another snap election, potentially deepening the crisis.

The political uncertainty comes at a precarious time for Kosovo’s international standing. Kurti, a 50-year-old former political prisoner during Serbian rule, has taken a tough stance in EU-mediated talks with Belgrade. This approach has strained relations with Western allies, resulting in punitive measures from both the European Union and the United States.

“We must achieve another victory that will ensure a rapid constitution of the national assembly and, at the same time, a stable government with a full mandate and over 50% of the votes,” Kurti told supporters at a recent campaign rally.

Opposition parties have accused the prime minister of authoritarian tendencies and damaging Kosovo’s relationships with critical international partners since taking power in 2021.

Kosovo’s economy dominates campaign discussions. “Wherever I go, citizens tell me the same thing, that life has become too expensive, salaries are not enough, prices are rising every day,” said Bedri Hamza, former governor of the Kosovo National Bank and a Democratic Party of Kosovo representative.

Regional security concerns also loom large over the election. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo’s independence, and fears of instability have grown since Russia—Serbia’s ally—invaded Ukraine in 2022. Tensions with ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo escalated into violent clashes in 2023, during which scores of NATO-led peacekeepers were injured.

There have been positive developments recently, however. Ethnic Serb mayors peacefully assumed office this month following municipal elections in the north, potentially signaling a reduction in communal tensions.

Kosovo remains one of Europe’s poorest countries. It is among six Western Balkan nations seeking eventual EU membership, though both Pristina and Belgrade have been informed they must normalize relations before accession can proceed.

In a recent foreign policy development, Kurti’s government agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States under the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with authorities confirming to The Associated Press that one migrant has arrived so far.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the stakes extend beyond typical electoral politics. Another inconclusive result could further delay critical governance decisions and extend Kosovo’s political uncertainty into the foreseeable future.