The European Union has welcomed the fact that the parliamentary elections in Kosovo were conducted in a calm atmosphere, allowing citizens to express their will freely.
This was stated by the EU spokesperson for foreign policy and security, Anitta Hipper, in response to questions regarding the bloc’s reaction to the elections in Kosovo and expectations following their conclusion.
Hipper noted that the EU deployed an election observation mission in Kosovo, formed by the decision of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The decision to send this mission to monitor the elections in Kosovo was mentioned by Hipper as proof that the EU considers its relations with Kosovo highly important.
In addition to EU observers, the elections were also monitored by local observers, who reported that the process was free of serious incidents but did include some irregularities.
According to preliminary results published by the Central Election Commission, Albin Kurti’s Lëvizja Vetëvendosje is leading with 40.96%, securing 316,016 votes in the February 9 parliamentary elections.
The second-largest party is the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) with 22.42% or 172,953 votes, followed by the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) with 17.62% or 135,976 votes.
The coalition of Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Nisma, Conservatives, and Intellectuals has secured 7.56% or 58,307 votes.
Meanwhile, Serbian List—the main party representing Kosovo Serbs, which enjoys official support from Belgrade—has won 3.95% or 30,440 votes.
The February 9 elections were the first regular elections held in Kosovo since the country’s declaration of independence.
The voter turnout was 40.59% of the 1.9 million eligible voters in Kosovo. Additionally, members of the diaspora had the opportunity to vote in advance, either by mail or physically at Kosovo’s diplomatic missions abroad.
A total of 28 political entities and one independent candidate competed for the 120-seat Assembly of Kosovo, which will subsequently elect the new government.
