Kosovo is set to hold municipal elections on Sunday, a significant political event amid ongoing tensions with Serbia. The governing left-wing party, the Self-Determination Movement, known as Vetevendosje!, aims to secure control of the capital city’s administration in Pristina. Approximately 2.1 million registered voters will be casting their votes to elect mayors across 38 municipalities and around 1,000 local council members. Preliminary results of the elections are expected by midnight, although many municipalities might require runoffs, as seen in previous voting cycles.
The most anticipated race is taking place in Pristina, where former culture minister Hajrulla Çeku from Vetevendosje! is competing against the incumbent, Perparim Rama, from the conservative Kosovo Democratic League (LDK). Vetevendosje! previously made a strong showing in the parliamentary elections held in February, winning 48 out of 120 seats in the legislature but falling short of a governing majority.
Particular attention will be focused on voting in the Serb-majority northern regions, where Srpska Lista, the dominant Serb political party, is anticipated to maintain control of its strongholds. This election occurs against the backdrop of stalled dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the European Union. The two nations have been at odds since Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia continues to reject.
The timing of these local elections is notable, as they come just two days after the Kosovo Parliament concluded an eight-month political stalemate. During this time, the full leadership of the Parliament was established, including a representative from the ethnic Serb minority. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the leader of Vetevendosje!, has been assigned the task of forming a new Cabinet within the next 15 days. However, there are challenges ahead, as major parties have thus far shown reluctance to engage in coalition discussions.
Kurti is under pressure to stabilize the political environment, tackle economic challenges, and revive the normalization dialogue with Serbia. The independence of Kosovo remains a contentious issue in the Balkans, particularly in the historical context of the 1998-1999 war during which approximately 11,400 people, mainly ethnic Albanians, lost their lives. The conflict ended following a NATO air campaign that expelled Serbian forces from the region. While most Western countries recognize Kosovo's independence, it is still not recognized by Serbia, which has the backing of Russia and China in this matter.
This election represents a critical moment for Kosovo's political landscape, potentially influencing future relations with Serbia and the overall stability of the region.
