Kosovo will hold its parliamentary elections on February 9, focusing on tensions with Serbia and key issues such as EU integration and social reform. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement leads in polls as the country faces young people’s demands for better education, job creation, and healthcare. Amidst ethnic divisions, 27 parties plus one independent candidate will compete for 120 seats.
On February 9, Kosovo is scheduled to hold its parliamentary elections amidst ongoing tensions between the majority Kosovo Albanian population and the ethnic Serb minority. Key election issues include the country’s integration into the European Union (EU), as well as improvements in the education and health systems. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s party leads in polls, followed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).
Mitrovica, a city divided along ethnic lines, exemplifies the broader social divisions within Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Approximately 1.6 million residents inhabit Kosovo, a landlocked country bordered by Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and North Macedonia. The parliamentary electoral system allows for a four-year term for directly elected officials, but Serbia continues to maintain territorial claims over Kosovo.
The normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo remains a contentious issue, particularly concerning the proposed Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, which has not been implemented due to mutual distrust. Political scientist Nexhmedin Spahiu noted that “each side expects the other to do its part first,’ underscoring the need for simultaneous measures to foster collaboration.
With EU sanctions imposed due to increased tensions, the integration with the EU is central to the discourse of both the ruling Self-Determination Movement (LVV) and opposition parties. Other pressing issues in this electoral cycle include infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and social welfare, especially given Kosovo’s youthful demographic, with over half of the population under 30 years old.
Interviews with young people in Pristina reveal a strong desire for improvement in the educational system, job creation, environmental protection, and immediate health insurance provisions. They expressed urgency regarding these reforms, underscoring the need for initiatives that enhance opportunities for youth engagement across borders.
A total of 27 parties and an independent candidate are contesting 120 parliamentary seats, with 20 set aside for ethnic minorities, including half reserved for the Serb minority. As the election approaches, the EU has dispatched 100 observers to monitor the process, fostering hopes for a peaceful electoral environment, although historical precedents remind all stakeholders of the potential for unrest.
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Kosovo are occurring against a backdrop of fragmented ethnic relations and political instability. Kosovo’s history, having operated under Serbian governance until its 2008 declaration of independence, contributes to persistent tensions with Serbia and the complexities of local governance. The electoral process represents a pivotal moment for addressing long-standing political issues, particularly concerning the integration of Serbian communities into Kosovo’s political framework.
The parliamentary elections scheduled for February 9 are crucial for Kosovo’s political landscape, as they will determine the direction of its future in relation to Serbia and EU integration. Key issues include ethnic relations, youth aspirations, and systemic reforms in education and healthcare. The polls indicate a leading position for the LVV party, yet the outcome remains uncertain amidst ongoing tensions and expectations for substantive governance changes.
Original Source: www.dw.com
