Kosova's Crucial 2025 Elections: Here Are the Facts
- Andina Pepshi
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Kosova, set for February 9th, 2025, are poised to be a pivotal moment in the young republic's political landscape. This election will determine the composition of the 120-member Assembly and set the course for Kosova's domestic policies and international standing during a global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. The return of President Donald J. Trump to the White House is likely to usher in a new era of U.S. foreign policy that could significantly impact the region.
These elections are particularly significant as a referendum on the current administration led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his party, Vetëvendosje. Having secured a decisive coalition victory in 2021, Kurti's government has navigated domestic and international challenges, including strained relations with Serbia and efforts toward European Union integration.
An election observation mission under the European Union has deployed one hundred observers to monitor the elections, twice more than in the 2021 parliamentary elections, led by French MEP Nathalie Loiseau. Loiseau stated that the elections are being held “at a moment when democracies are questioned, sometimes under threat globally ... so the importance of having a vibrant democracy in Kosovo has never been bigger.” KFOR, who have increased their presence in Kosova after last year’s tensions, notified that their 4,300-strong force will be supported by more than 200 Italian troops to ensure security during the election period.
As Kosova navigates this crucial electoral moment amid shifting global dynamics, some key issues have emerged at the forefront of the domestic political debate. Tensions between Kosova and Serbia remain high, particularly following incidents such as the September 2023 attack by Serb gunmen which killed a Kosovar Albanian police officer in the northern village of Banjska and prompted a response by Kosova's police, killing tree of the attackers.
The European Union and the United States have urged both countries to implement prior agreements. For Kosova this primarily means the establishment of an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities while Serbia has been urged toward de facto recognition of Kosova's independence, including allowing its accession to international institutions. The treatment and political representation of ethnic minorities, especially the Serb minority, are central issues as the recent closure of Belgrade-backed parallel institutions by Kosova's authorities has intensified debates on minority rights and governance.
Major Political Parties and Candidates
Of the 27 political groupings contesting the elections, the most signfiicant forces are listed below.
Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (The Self-Determination Movement): Led by incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the left-wing governing party emphasizes national sovereignty, anti-corruption measures, democratic progress and social justice. Kurti's leadership and policies will be under scrutiny in this election, prominent amongst which are the sanctions placed on Kosova by the European Union. The moves effectively banned some high-level meetings between EU and Kosova officials, paused EU projects and curbed funding streams to the Kosovar government. This was a result of the administration’s response to the outbreak of violence in the aftermath of boycotted municipal elections in the Serb-inhabited municipalities of the North. Kurti was also summoned by the Kosovo's Special Prosecutor's Office in a case related to "abuse of official post or authority" which has sparked debate on judicial independence and potential political motivations. Kurti has criticized the prosecutor's summons and refused to testify, initiating a clash between the judicial and executive branches.
Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK): PDK currently stands as the second biggest party in Kosova. Although led by former Minister of Agriculture Memli Krasniqi, the party has nominated Bedri Hamza, the mayor of Mitrovica and former Minister of Finance, as its candidate for Prime Minister. PDK's platform is focused on economic development and governance reforms. The party's founder and former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi and his ally, former Chairman of the Assembly Kadri Veseli, are facing trial at The Hague for their role as founders and leaders of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA).
Democratic League of Kosova (LDK): Under the leadership of Lumir Abdixhiku, LDK has undertaken internal reforms and established an electoral alliance with the Christian Democratic Party of Kosova (PSHDK). Their extensive platform, titled "Rruga e Re" ("The New Road"), outlines plans for economic and social development. The Party was founded by Kosova's iconic first president Ibrahim Rugova in 1989, leading the incipient movement towards independence.
Alliance for the Future of Kosova (AAK): Led by former Prime Minister and Kosova Liberation Army commander Ramush Haradinaj, AAK has entered into a coalition with the Social Democratic Initiative (NISMA) and the Conservative List. Their campaign focuses on foreign relations, primarily Kosova's aspirations for NATO and EU membership. Leveraging his political and military background, the former prime minister has promised to prove effective in securing Kosova's NATO membership if elected. Haradinaj has previously been brought to The Hague for war crimes and acquitted twice.
The Serb List (Srpska Lista): The main party representing the Serb minority and led by Zlatan Elek, Srpska Lista was initially barred by the Central Election Commission from participating due to nationalist rhetoric but promptly reinstated following an appeal. They aim to secure the ten parliamentary seats reserved for the Serb community in the Assembly. Though it is closely linked to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's government and refuses to recognize Kosova as an independent state, the party's primary aim is securing the establishment of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. Its former vice president Milan Radoičić resigned after admitting to having led the September 2023 attack on Kosova Police in Banjska, which was classified as a terrorist act by the European Union.
It remains unclear which party or coalition will be able to secure a majority in February. Whether Prime Minister Kurti goes on to govern for a second full term or one of Kosova's traditional parties return to power, the results are likely to be felt throughout the region.
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