PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) – On Friday, authorities in Kosovo detained 109 individuals in connection with alleged vote manipulation regarding last month's early parliamentary election. This election has faced significant scrutiny, resulting in a decision for a recount due to concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process.
The prosecutors based in Prizren, a southern town in Kosovo, indicated that the detained suspects are facing serious charges. These include allegations of falsifying election results, as well as exerting pressure, threats, and bribery against voters. Chief local Prosecutor Petrit Kryeziu reported that the alleged fraud involves an estimated 68,017 ballots specifically in the Prizren municipality alone, highlighting the scale of the irregularities.
In the early parliamentary election held on December 28, 2025, the voter turnout was notably low at 44% of Kosovo's 1.9 million eligible voters. The implications of the ongoing investigation and recount process remain unclear, particularly regarding whether additional arrests may occur as authorities continue to probe the situation.
This week, Kosovo's state election authorities mandated a full recount of the votes from the December election, citing widespread irregularities in the voting process. However, they indicated that the overall election results, which saw Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) party secure approximately 51% of the total votes, are unlikely to change. The alleged manipulation has reportedly concerned specific candidates within particular political parties rather than the outcome at a broader level.
The political context in Kosovo is precarious, with concerns that the ballot recount could further delay the establishment of a new parliament and government. The country is already facing significant challenges, having operated without an approved budget for 2026. Additionally, if lawmakers fail to elect a new president before an early March deadline, Kosovo could be forced into yet another snap election, extending the ongoing political crisis.
Since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008 following the 1998-99 war, Kosovo has struggled with economic challenges, ranking among the poorest nations in Europe. As one of the six Western Balkan countries, Kosovo aims to join the European Union, which adds urgency to the resolution of its political turmoil and the establishment of a stable government.
