Kosovo Holds Third Election in 18 Months as Parties Deadlock on Presidency Despite Kurti’s Parliamentary Majority

Voters in Kosovo went to the polls on 7 June 2026 for the third parliamentary election in 18 months after the main political parties failed to agree by a March deadline on who should replace former President Vjosa Osmani. The first inconclusive election occurred in February 2025 and left the country without a functioning government for much of that year, forcing a second vote in December 2025.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s centre-left Vetevendosje party has held a clear parliamentary majority since the December 2025 election.

Kosovo’s president is elected by at least 80 lawmakers in the 120-member assembly, requiring a broader political consensus than the Vetevendosje majority alone can provide. The two main opposition parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic League of Kosovo, have accused Kurti of seeking to impose full control over all political institutions.

Former President Osmani is running on the opposition LDK list in the 7 June 2026 election after Kurti refused to back her for a second term.

The prolonged institutional vacuum has delayed access to EU and other international funds, according to @AJEnglish reported. The prolonged crisis has negatively affected Kosovo’s economy, already hit hard by the global energy crisis and rising fuel prices.

One of the youngest and poorest countries in Europe, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a 1998-99 war that ended with a NATO bombing campaign forcing Serbia to withdraw.

European Council President Antonio Costa urged Kosovo during a visit last week to end the political impasse and unite over the goal of EU integration. Kosovo has been recognised by the United States and most EU countries but not by Serbia, Russia or China. Tensions remain high in northern Kosovo where most of the ethnic Serbian minority live.