Kosovo is preparing for its seventh parliamentary election since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, with the vote scheduled for November. This snap election was initiated by President Vjosa Osmani following a period of political stalemate, during which major opposition parties declined to form a coalition or support Prime Minister Albin Kurti's parliamentary speaker nominations.
Background to the Snap Election
The upcoming November election marks Kosovo's seventh parliamentary ballot since it declared independence in 2008. President Vjosa Osmani called for the snap election in response to a political stalemate that developed in the country.
Key to this impasse was the refusal of major opposition parties—the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK)—to agree to form a coalition with the Self-Determination party. These parties also did not support Prime Minister Albin Kurti's nominations for parliamentary speaker. An offer by Prime Minister Kurti to resign from his position to resolve the situation did not lead to a change in the opposition's stance, ultimately leading to President Osmani's decision to call a snap election.
Opposition Stance and Attributed Statements
Ahead of the scheduled vote, the LDK, PDK, and AAK have indicated no change in their position regarding Prime Minister Kurti.
Haki Abazi, a parliamentary candidate for AAK and who served as deputy prime minister under Kurti in 2019, made statements concerning the opposition's views. Abazi, who was subsequently expelled from Self-Determination due to policy disagreements, stated that the LDK, PDK, and AAK consider Kurti a populist. He further stated that these parties believe Kurti has negatively impacted relations with Western partners and the processes for NATO membership and European Union integration. Abazi also characterized Kurti as a divisive figure, attributing this perception as the reason the three parties would not form a coalition with the Self-Determination leader.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Kurti declined to provide comment on the matter.