PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — The small Balkan nation of Kosovo will hold its third parliamentary election in just over a year after its legislature failed to select a new president, plunging the country deeper into political chaos.
Kosovo’s parliament faced a Tuesday midnight cutoff to name a replacement for President Vjosa Osmani, whose presidency ended earlier this month. After lawmakers missed this crucial deadline, the legislative body was automatically disbanded.
Officials must schedule the upcoming election within 45 days, though no specific date has been revealed yet.
Political expert Ilir Deda forecasted the election will likely occur in June. According to Deda, this vote will determine “whether people are willing to hold politicians accountable.”
The nation of 2 million residents has experienced ongoing governmental instability following February 2025’s inconclusive election results, which created months of legislative gridlock.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti established a new administration following a December 28 snap election, but another crisis quickly developed regarding Osmani’s replacement.
Kosovo’s 120-seat parliament requires at least 80 members present to select a president. Opposition parties refused to attend the session due to disagreements over potential candidates, effectively preventing any vote from taking place.
This continued political instability has already damaged Kosovo’s economic prospects and weakened public confidence in democratic institutions.
Kosovo broke away from Serbia in 2008 after a devastating 1998-99 conflict. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo’s independence, and these unresolved tensions remain a significant concern throughout the unstable Balkan region.
European Union officials have informed both Kosovo and Serbia that normalizing their relationship is essential for advancing their eventual membership applications to the 27-member organization.
