Kosovo Parliamentary Election: Key Test For Prime Minister Kurti

The Serbian flag, left, flies on a lamppost in front of a Kosovo flag on the city hall in the town of Zubin Potok, northern Kosovo, May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Marjan Vucetic, File)

Kosovo is gearing up for a crucial parliamentary election on Sunday, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti facing a significant test after his party's landslide victory four years ago. The election will see eligible voters, including those from the diaspora, casting their ballots to elect 120 lawmakers from 26 political groups and one independent candidate. Notably, the Serb minority has 10 secured seats, with an additional 10 reserved for other minorities.

This election marks the first time since Kosovo's independence in 2008 that the parliament has completed a full four-year mandate. It is the ninth parliamentary vote in Kosovo since the end of the 1998-1999 war between Serbian government forces and ethnic Albanian separatists, which led to Kosovo's independence in 2008.

While Kurti's Vetevendosje! party is considered the front-runner, it is unlikely to secure a majority to govern alone. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) are the other major contenders in the election.

Serb minority has secured seats in the election.

Kosovo's parliamentary election on Sunday is crucial for Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Kosovo's parliament completes its first full four-year mandate since independence in 2008.

During the campaign, parties made promises to improve public services, education, healthcare, and tackle poverty. However, details on funding sources and attracting foreign investment remain unclear.

Kosovo, with a population of 1.6 million, is among the poorest countries in Europe, with an annual GDP of less than 6,000 Euros per person. The country is also facing challenges due to a freeze on U.S. funding for various projects through the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The election outcome will impact Kosovo's role in normalization talks with Serbia, facilitated by the EU. Kurti's government has faced criticism from Western powers over certain actions, raising concerns about inter-ethnic tensions.

The EU and the U.S. have emphasized the importance of Kosovo's new government engaging constructively in dialogue with Serbia. Both sides are urged to implement agreements reached two years ago, including establishing an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities.

KFOR has increased its presence in Kosovo amid tensions, and international observers will monitor the election to ensure transparency and fairness.