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Vetevendosje secures Landslide Victory in Kosovo Parliamentary Elections
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Preliminary results indicate a decisive win for the nationalist Vetevendosje party, paving the way for Albin Kurti‘s third term as Kosovo’s Prime Minister. The outcome resolves months of political deadlock following February elections.
election Results and Context
The Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) party achieved a important victory in Kosovo’s parliamentary elections on April 21, 2024, garnering 50.8% of the vote with 90% of ballots counted according to the BBC. This result marks a ample increase in support compared to the february elections, where the party won the most votes but lacked a governing majority.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), a center-right party, received 20.98% of the vote, while the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) secured 13.89% as reported by the BBC. These results represent a significant decline in support for the traditional opposition parties.
Political Impasse and the Repeat election
Kosovo has been operating without a fully functioning government since the February elections failed to produce a clear majority. The opposition parties, the PDK and LDK, refused to form a coalition with Kurti’s left-wing Vetevendosje movement, leading to a prolonged political stalemate. This impasse prompted the calling of a second parliamentary election this year as detailed by the BBC.
The central question heading into the April 21st election was whether voters would punish Kurti for the deadlock or reject the opposition’s unwillingness to compromise. The decisive victory for Vetevendosje suggests voters largely blamed the opposition for the political paralysis.
Implications for Kosovo’s Future
While the Vetevendosje party’s victory is substantial, it may not be enough to secure a majority of seats in parliament, necessitating coalition negotiations. Kurti will likely seek to form a government with smaller parties, perhaps including minority representatives. the composition of the new coalition will significantly influence Kosovo’s domestic and foreign policy direction.
Vetevendosje’s platform centers on strengthening Kosovo’s sovereignty, tackling corruption, and improving social welfare. The party has also advocated for closer ties with Albania, raising concerns among some in the international community about potential nationalist agendas.
