By Hanife Osmani (Independent journalist)

On February 9, 2025, the Republic of Kosova conducted its parliamentary elections to determine the composition of its 120-member Assembly. These elections were pivotal, reflecting the nation’s evolving political dynamics and its commitment to democratic processes.

Electoral results
The incumbent party, Vetëvendosje (VV), led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, secured approximately 42.27% of the votes, translating to 48 seats in the Assembly. This outcome marked a decrease from the 58 seats VV obtained in the 2021 elections. The Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK), under the leadership of Bedri Hamza, garnered 20.96% of the votes, resulting in 24 seats, an increase from their previous 19 seats. The Democratic League of Kosova (LDK), led by Lumir Abdixhiku, received 18.28% of the votes, securing 20 seats, up from 15 seats in the prior election. The coalition between the Alliance for the Future of Kosova (AAK) and the Social Democratic Initiative (NISMA), headed by Ramush Haradinaj, obtained 7.07% of the votes, maintaining their 8 seats in the Assembly.
Kosova’s constitution ensures representation of minority communities by reserving 20 out of the 120 Assembly seats for them. The Serb List (SL), representing the Serbian minority, secured 4.26% of the votes, resulting in 9 seats. Other minority parties, such as the Turkish Democratic Party of Kosova (KDTP), New Democratic Initiative of Kosova (IRDK), and New Democratic Party (NDS), collectively filled the remaining reserved seats, reflecting the country’s diverse ethnic composition.
Voter turnout was approximately 41%, indicating a decrease from the 48.78% observed in the 2021 elections. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) praised the peaceful and competitive nature of the elections but noted concerns regarding the polarization of political discourse and instances of voter intimidation, particularly within minority communities.

Potential government coalitions
The 2025 election results necessitate coalition negotiations, as no party holds an absolute majority. Vetëvendosje, with 48 seats, requires the support of at least 13 additional members to achieve the 61-seat majority needed to form a government. Potential coalition partners include minority parties and smaller factions within the Assembly.
The opposition, comprising PDK, LDK, and AAK-NISMA, collectively holds 52 seats. While this is short of a majority, these parties could explore alliances with minority representatives to challenge Vetëvendosje’s position. The formation of the next government will depend on complex negotiations, policy alignments, and the willingness of parties to collaborate.
The election outcomes underscore a dynamic political environment in Kosova, reflecting both the electorate’s desire for continuity and change. The necessity for coalition-building may encourage broader representation and inclusivity in governance. However, it also presents challenges in policy coherence and decision-making efficiency.
Moving forward, the new government will need to address pressing issues such as economic development, strengthening international relations, particularly with Serbia, and ensuring the rights and integration of minority communities. The manner in which these challenges are addressed will significantly influence Kosova’s trajectory in the coming years.
In conclusion, the 2025 parliamentary elections in the Republic of Kosova have set the stage for a potentially transformative period in the nation’s political landscape. The emphasis on coalition politics may lead to more collaborative governance, reflecting the diverse aspirations of Kosova’s populace. As the country navigates this new phase, the commitment to democratic principles and inclusive policies will be crucial in shaping a stable and prosperous future.

The future of Kosovar politics
The process of coalition-building will be critical to the formation of the next government, as no party has secured an outright majority. For Vetëvendosje (VV) to maintain leadership, Albin Kurti will need to engage in complex negotiations with smaller parties, including minority groups. Given the diverse political ideologies and regional interests represented within the Assembly, crafting a coalition that can achieve the 61-seat majority required for a functional government may prove difficult. However, these negotiations also offer the opportunity for a more representative and inclusive government that could bridge the divides between various ethnic communities and political factions.
The Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosova (AAK) are the primary opposition parties, which together hold 52 seats. While they are still short of a majority, these opposition parties have the potential to form a united front to challenge Vetëvendosje’s dominance. The dynamics between these factions, as well as with minority parties, will determine whether they can successfully form an alternative government or remain as a powerful opposition.
Kosova’s geopolitical position adds significant complexity to the coalition-building process. The ongoing tension with Serbia remains a central issue, as Serbia has not yet recognized Kosova’s independence. This situation places immense pressure on the new government to navigate sensitive diplomatic relations with Serbia and other international actors, including the European Union and the United States.
The European Union’s demand for progress in the normalization of relations with Serbia could influence the priorities of the coalition government, especially with respect to regional stability. Additionally, Kosova’s aspirations for EU integration will require consistent reforms, including in the areas of governance, the rule of law, and human rights. The new government must balance domestic political demands with the pressure from Brussels to meet EU standards.

Photo source: https://gazetablic.com/zgjedhjet-ne-kosove-kush-voton-e-kush-jo-dhe-pse-ka-rendesi/