Kosovo elections: Kurti's self-determination claims major victory
According to exit polls, the Self-Determination Party, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, secured the largest share of votes in Kosovo's parliamentary elections held on Sunday, securing around 40%. The media released these results after the polling stations closed.
In the poll conducted by Klan Kosova television, Self-Determination was shown to receive 38.2% of the votes, while the "Koha Ditore" newspaper reported that the prime minister's party secured 42.3%.
In both surveys, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) took the second spot, and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) came third. Both parties received slightly over 20% of the votes - with the first poll indicating 22.4% and 20.1%, and the second poll showing 21.3% and 20.4%, respectively.
Polling stations for the 120-member Kosovo Assembly (Kuvendi) closed at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The initial partial results from the State Election Commission were expected after 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday.
Elections in Kosovo: What the prime minister's party win will mean
If he wins the parliamentary elections in Kosovo and extends his mandate, Prime Minister Albin Kurti is expected to align his policies with the stance of the new U.S. administration and adopt a more conciliatory tone in his relations with Belgrade and the Serbian minority in Kosovo, observed Jakub Bielamowicz from the Institute of New Europe prior to Sunday's vote.
- From the beginning of his career, Kurti has emphasized the necessity of completing Kosovo's statehood, maintaining this focus after assuming power. It's natural to consolidate power when governing a country with such a background. However, a rightful criticism against him is that his methods can be quite forceful, and he has often failed to consult his actions with international partners like the EU and the USA, whose support is crucial for Kosovo's continued existence as a state, - noted Bielamowicz.
The analyst highlighted that under the leadership of Self-Determination, Kosovo's unemployment rate dropped from about 30% to roughly 10%. The minimum wage has increased, and Kosovo has achieved the fastest growth rate among Western Balkan countries. "Nonetheless, in terms of foreign policy, there has been a significant cooling in relations with the United States and the European Union," noted the PAP correspondent.
