• Kosovo's elections result in Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje party winning most votes but not a majority.
• The outcome calls for coalition negotiations amid ongoing tensions with Serbia.
• Criticism of Kurti's government includes economic struggles and strained relations with Western allies.

In the recent parliamentary elections held in Kosovo, Prime Minister Albin Kurti's ruling party, Vetevendosje (Self-Determination), emerged as the frontrunner but fell short of the necessary seats to form a majority government. The preliminary results indicated that Vetevendosje received approximately 41.3% of the vote, translating to about 47 seats in the 120-seat parliament, as reported by BBC.

This election is effectively viewed as a referendum on Kurti's governance amidst rising tensions with Serbia, from where Kosovo declared independence in 2008. The opposition parties, led by the centre-right Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) with around 21.8% of the votes and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) at 17%, are advocating for economic reforms and closer ties with the West, particularly as Kosovo remains one of the poorest regions in Europe, with a GDP per capita below €6,000 (approx. $6,200).

The results will likely open the door for coalition discussions, a necessity as no single party achieved an outright majority. Kurti, however, expressed reluctance during the campaign, hinting he might prefer to take the opposition role if unable to secure a coalition, despite declaring a victory that ignited celebrations in Pristina. "Congratulations on our victory," he told supporters, according to Reuters.

The election transpired against a backdrop of political strife, with Kurti's administration facing criticism for its handling of ethnic tensions and economic challenges. Under his leadership, government initiatives aiming to dismantle the remaining Serbian institutions in Kosovo have heightened discord, particularly in the northern regions dominated by ethnic Serbs. His governance has also come under fire from Al Jazeera, which pointed out that his confrontational approach has strained relations with Kosovo's key Western allies, the EU and the United States.

With about 40% turnout reported, the next steps for Kosovo’s political landscape will involve extensive coalition discussions, as securing a stable government remains crucial for navigating the delicate relationship with Serbia and advancing EU accession efforts.