Kosovo Holds Third Parliamentary Election in 18 Months Amid Political Impasse

Kosovo voters are participating in early parliamentary elections, the third in 18 months, as the nation struggles to resolve a political deadlock regarding the appointment of a new president.

Key points

• The election was triggered after political parties failed to reach a consensus on a successor to former President Vjosa Osmani by the March deadline.
• Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje party currently holds a parliamentary majority, but the presidential election requires at least 80 votes in the 120-member assembly.
• The ongoing political instability has hindered economic progress and delayed access to European Union and international funding.
• European Council President Antonio Costa has urged the country's leaders to resolve the stalemate to advance European Union integration goals.

Why it matters

The persistent political vacuum in Kosovo is negatively impacting the country's economy and stalling its efforts to integrate with the European Union and NATO.