News|ElectionsKosovo votes in snap election in bid to end a year of political deadlockThe Balkan nation votes again as PM Albin Kurti seeks majority to break the stalemate and form a government.

Kosovo holds a parliamentary election for the second time within 11 months, as the Self-Determination Movement (LVV) led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti aims to secure a majority to resolve the ongoing political stalemate.

Voting commenced at 7am local time (06:00 GMT) and will conclude at 7pm (18:00 GMT) on Sunday. Exit polls are anticipated shortly after voting concludes.

The election follows the LVV's inability to form a government despite obtaining the most votes in the February 9 ballot. This inability to establish a government has perpetuated a political deadlock at a critical juncture, as lawmakers are required to elect a new president by April and ratify 1 billion euros ($1.2bn) in loan agreements from the European Union and World Bank due to expire soon.

Opposition parties have declined to collaborate with Kurti, criticizing his management of relations with Western allies and his approach to Kosovo’s ethnically divided northern region, which is home to a Serb minority.

Kosovo, with a population of 1.6 million, continues to face challenges such as poverty, instability, and organized crime. During Kurti's tenure, which began in 2021, his administration became the first in Pristina to complete a full term. To gain voter support, Kurti has proposed measures including an additional month of salary per year for public sector employees, 1 billion euros annually for capital investment, and the establishment of a new prosecution unit to combat organized crime. Opposition parties have also prioritized improving living standards.

International Relations and EU Aspirations

Once a province of Serbia, Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and has been recognized by over 100 countries. However, it is not recognized by Russia, Serbia, Greece, or Spain. Kosovo aspires to join the European Union and is among six Western Balkan countries working toward EU accession, contingent upon normalizing relations with Serbia.

In 2023, tensions with Serbia led to the EU imposing sanctions on Kosovo. These sanctions were lifted after ethnic Serb mayors were elected in northern municipalities, but the measures had significant financial implications, potentially costing Kosovo hundreds of millions of euros.

The outcome of the current election remains uncertain, as there are no published opinion polls in Kosovo. The elections take place amid widespread disillusionment among voters, who express a need for substantial change.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.