Kosovo holds third election in 16 months

Kosovo is holding an early parliamentary election called after the previous parliament was unable to elect a president by a March deadline.

The election is the third in 16 months , with the unstable political situation negatively affecting Kosovo's economy and EU aspirations .

The election was called after the main political parties were unable to elect a new head of state to replace former President Vjosa Osmani within the required timeframe.

Although Prime Minister Albin Kurti 's center-left Vetevendosje party holds a clear parliamentary majority, a president must receive at least 80 votes in the 120-member assembly.

In recent parliamentary votes, there were not enough lawmakers in the chamber to allow a valid election owing to an opposition boycott.

At least one major opposition force is required to support any candidate, as Vetevendosje and its partners do not constitute a sufficient quorum.

Kurti achieved his parliamentary majority with ethnic minority MPs in a December election that followed an inconclusive vote in February 2025.

He is now being challenged by the two main opposition parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).