Kosovars have initiated voting in a crucial parliamentary election, serving as a significant test for Prime Minister Albin Kurti, whose party previously secured a victory by a large margin. The voting commenced at 0600 GMT and is scheduled to conclude at 1800 GMT, as confirmed by Kreshnik Radoniqi, head of the Central Election Commission.
This election marks the first complete parliamentary term since Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and represents the ninth election since the 1998-1999 war. Roughly 2 million eligible voters will select 120 lawmakers from an array of nearly 600 candidates across 27 political factions.
The European Union, Council of Europe, and various organizations are deploying a joint team of approximately 1,700 observers to oversee the election process. The Self-Determination Movement Party is considered the frontrunner but might fall short of attaining a majority to govern independently.
Kosovo is encountering challenges, including a 90-day halt on U.S. funding and persistent tensions with Serbia, the latter of which does not acknowledge Kosovo's independence. The election's outcome will have an impact on negotiations aimed at normalizing relations with Serbia, which experienced a standstill last year.