Europe Asia News

After 90% of the ballots were counted, the party—whose name means “self-determination”—reached 50.8% of the vote, securing a third term in power for its leader Albin Kurti.

The two main opposition parties, the center-right Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), received 20.98% and 13.89% of the vote, respectively.

Vetëvendosje had won the February election, but failed to secure a majority, and Kosovo has not had a functioning government since then.

This marks Vetëvendosje’s fourth consecutive victory in parliamentary elections. The result serves as a confirmation after opposition parties blocked attempts to form a government following the previous election on February 9.

Kurti claimed it was “the biggest victory in the country’s history” and said he expected opposition parties to cooperate this time instead of obstructing.

Arben Gashi of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), which came third, said this could be possible. “When voters speak, the result cannot be ignored. Reflection and responsible action are required,” he said.

Kosovo voters’ overwhelming support for such a polarizing figure reflects their bleak view of the alternatives. Parties linked to the Kosovo Liberation Army dominated government in the decade after the 2008 unilateral declaration of independence, but failed to deliver on promises of prosperity.