The Vetëvendosje Movement has achieved a convincing victory in Sunday's snap elections. According to the preliminary results of the Central Election Commission, the LVV has the largest increase with 49.3 percent of the vote or about 430 thousand votes, 7 percent more compared to the February 9 elections, without counting votes from the diaspora, conditional votes and those of people with special needs. This result enables it to form the only government, with non-Serb non-majority communities. In second place is the PDK with 21,01 percent, while the Democratic League has suffered the largest decline, falling below 14 percent
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With a turnout of 44.59 percent, the Vetëvendosje Movement emerged as the leading force with 49.3 percent of the votes in Sunday's elections.
According to the preliminary results of the Central Election Commission, LVV recorded the largest increase, winning over 49 percent of the votes or around 430 thousand votes. An increase compared to the elections of February 9 this year, when VV won 396 thousand 787 votes or 42,30 percent.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) came in second with 21,01 percent or 183,258 votes, a result roughly similar to that of February, or an increase of 1 percent. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) recorded the largest decline compared to the February 9 elections, receiving 13,56 percent of the votes, or 116,224 votes. In the elections at the beginning of the year, the LDK received 171,357 or 18,27 percent.
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), based on preliminary results, has managed to cross the electoral threshold with 5,68 percent or 49,571 votes.
The Social Democratic Initiative failed to break the threshold, falling below it with only 1,72 percent of the votes.
The Serbian List, the largest Serbian party, has declared that it has secured all ten seats reserved for the Serbian community. The leader of the List, Zlatan Ellek, said in a press conference that the party he leads has received 90 percent of the votes of the Serbian community and all the seats in the Assembly. Rašić's party has so far received 4388 votes, or more than 11 percent of the votes that went to parties of the Serbian community. Rašić had also secured a seat in the February elections. As the only MP from his party, he was elected deputy speaker by the Serbian community after the majority in the ninth legislature refused to vote on the proposals from the Serbian List.
LVV with 56 mandates, on its way to forming the government alone
Translated into mandates, the Vetëvendosje Movement with just under 50 percent of the vote has secured 56 seats in the Assembly.
With the calculation according to the “D'Hondt” formula, the Democratic Party of Kosovo with 21 percent of the vote has 23 seats. The Democratic League has 15 seats, while the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo has secured 6 seats.
Compared to the February elections, the Vetëvendosje Movement has increased its number of seats in the Assembly by eight, from 48.
Meanwhile, PDK lost one seat. LDK lost five seats, out of 20 it had. AAK in coalition with Nisma had 8 seats. This calculation does not include votes cast by mail and those cast in diplomatic missions.
The remaining 20 seats are divided into 10 for the Serbian community and 10 for other communities. 61 votes are necessary to elect the Speaker of the Assembly and then vote on the government.
The Vetëvendosje Movement has also come out on top in most of the country's municipalities. It has been confirmed as the main force in 24 municipalities, including those considered strongholds of opposition parties.
It is first in Gjakova, Gjilan, Dragash, Istog, Kaçanik, Klina, Fushë-Kosovo, Kamenicë, South Mitrovica, Lipjan, Obiliq, Rahovec, Peja, Podujevo, Prishtina, Prizren, Shtime, Suhareka, Ferizaj, Viti, Vushtrri, Malisheva, Junik and Hani i Elezit. The Democratic Party of Kosovo is first in Drenas and Skenderaj. In Deçan, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo came first, while in Mamushë the KDPT came first.
The parliamentary elections of December 28th have made history in terms of citizen turnout at polling stations within Kosovo. 899,521 citizens exercised their right to vote, not counting votes from the diaspora, conditional votes, and those of people with special needs.
In percentage terms, it appears that approximately 45 percent of those eligible to vote exercised their right to vote. The record for participation in the elections was set on February 9 this year. At that time, 871,662 voters had voted in polling stations in Kosovo. Meanwhile, together with the votes of the diaspora and those in representation, the number had reached 966,000 votes.
Kurti: We will create institutions quickly, I expect cooperation with the opposition
From the Vetëvendosje headquarters, the candidate for the third governing mandate, Albin Kurti, addressed the citizens as the winner of the elections, saying that they are on their way to breaking the record of February 21, 2021.
"On February 9, the Vetëvendosje Movement won, on December 28, the people and the Republic of Kosovo won. Congratulations on the greatest victory in the history of the country," he said.
Kurti further stated that once the results are certified, institutions will be established and work will continue. He mentioned international agreements, saying that he expects cooperation with opposition parties to advance them, and thanked them for the election campaign.
"We have a lot of work ahead of us. We must move forward, without delay. As soon as the results are certified, we will need to create institutions and continue the good work as soon as possible. We are waiting for the EU Growth Plan worth 880 million euros and three agreements with the World Bank worth 120 million. So over 1 billion. I invite the opposition parties from now on to cooperate in the Parliament for international agreements, good agreements and for the public interest of citizens", declared Kurti.
He was also asked about the issue of the country's president after Vjosa Osmani's mandate expires in March next year.
Kurti said that this will also need to be discussed with the opposition. But he previously stated that he will also meet with the current president, Vjosa Osmani.
"We also need to talk to the opposition about the issue of the president. First, we will sit down with the current president and then we will take the next steps in order to move forward together because it is known that both for international agreements and for the election of the president, at least 80 MPs must remain in the hall even if they vote against. This is the third step," Kurti said.
The leader of Vetëvendosje also participated in the celebration with supporters of this party, where he said that the victory of December 28 belongs to the people of Kosovo, unlike that of February 9 when VV won with its coalition partners.
"This time, the people and the Republic have won, our vision and program made the victory possible. We will fulfill all our commitments one by one. You are the meaning of the existence of our positions and functions," Kurti said, promising to fulfill the commitments made during the election campaign.
Unlike Kurti, who spoke about cooperation with the opposition, there was no shortage of ridicule from the partners who were in coalition with LVV after the results of Sunday's elections. The mayor of Mitrovica, who is also co-chair of the Guxo List, Faton Peci, took issue with the LDK, reminding it of its refusal to enter into a coalition with VV after the February 9 elections.
"Come to the government, no we don't want it, come on, no we don't want it. Go ahead then," Peci said in a video.
Abdixhiku takes responsibility for the result, does not rule out resignation
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, took responsibility for the outcome of the December 28 elections in an appearance shortly before midnight on Sunday. He announced that in the coming days he will convene the party's Assembly to review all issues and responsibilities as leader.
He stated that the LDK's result is not what they expected and this will be a moment of reflection, adding that he respects the verdict of the citizens.
"Taking responsibility, in the coming days I will call the LDK Assembly and before it we will disclose and examine all the issues and responsibilities that I hold as chairman. The LDK result is not what we expected and desired. It is a moment of reflection. When citizens speak, we must listen. Democracy works when leaders are held accountable, even when they have such losses," said Abdixhiku, not ruling out resignation.
He further stated that in these five years of leading the LDK, he has acted as he believed was best for the party.
"These five years, I have acted as I believed was best for the LDK. However, today I openly say that I have not managed to take the LDK to where it should be. We have built a good team, we have built a dignified campaign, but this is the citizen's verdict and we bow before it. The citizen is always right," he added.
Abdixhiku also congratulated the winner of the elections, Albin Kurti.
"Let me congratulate the winner. The state is above each of us. Let's hope that the citizens have chosen correctly this time," he declared.
After the fall of the LDK, there has been no shortage of calls within their camp for reflection.
Arben Gashi, candidate for deputy of the Democratic League of Kosovo, has called for responsible actions, following the first results of the December 28 elections.
"When voters speak, the result cannot be ignored. Reflection and responsible action are required," Gashi wrote on Facebook.
And former Democratic League of Kosovo MP Jehona Lushaku-Sadriu has called on the party's voters to keep their heads high.
"To all today's LDK voters: keep your heads up! I love you!" she wrote.
AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj, through a statement after the ballot boxes closed, said that they have 8 percent or 9 seats in the Assembly, adding that the coalition with PDK and LDK is failing.
"AAK has not set and does not set conditions for the opposition. But now is the time to reflect. From us, both parties have a partner and we are ready to cooperate and give them a majority," he said.
There was no statement from the PDK camp, which emerged as the second party, after the results.
Quiet and without incident
The entire voting process since the opening of the polling stations at 07:00 has flowed in a calm atmosphere, with some irregularities mainly of a procedural and technical nature. Power outages have been reported in some polling centers, but there have been no serious incidents that could compromise the integrity of the elections.
In addition to calls for people to vote, President Vjosa Osmani, after casting her vote in the capital, said that she hopes for the establishment of institutions as soon as possible.
According to her, the December 28 elections should result in the rapid formation of the Parliament and government, in order to advance necessary processes for the country.
"I hope that our Republic will have peaceful, orderly, democratic elections. I hope that we will have elections with the most massive participation of citizens. Elections are an important democratic process. I hope that the results will result in the earliest possible establishment of a parliament and elections of a government, which are necessary for important internal and international processes for Kosovo," the president said.
According to the Kosovo Police, the implementation of the plan and inter-institutional cooperation and coordination have contributed to the process on Sunday going without any major incidents.
"The implementation of the police plan, inter-institutional cooperation and coordination has had a positive impact on the entire electoral process passing peacefully and without any major incident that would have hindered or violated the electoral process, therefore, in terms of security, it is assessed that the electoral process passed peacefully and without serious incidents. One of the goals of the police operational plan was to guarantee a peaceful environment for voting, initiate and prosecute any possible criminal offense in coordination with the justice authorities, and bring before the justice authorities all those who violate the law, specifically violate the electoral process," the police statement said.
Also, in coordination with the State Prosecution, the Kosovo Police has announced that it has initiated five criminal cases.
"The Kosovo Police, in cooperation and coordination with the State Prosecution Office, regarding the electoral process, today initiated 5 (five) criminal cases such as; 'Violation of the secrecy of voting', 'Violation of the free determination of voters', 'Obstruction of the voting process' and 'Destruction of voting documents', where the persons involved in the cases by decision of the competent prosecutors have been released in regular procedure. 30 (thirty) pieces of information have been processed and in 5 (five) cases they have been recorded with an 'official note', the police announcement states.
Also, in cooperation and coordination with the justice bodies, other cases have been handled and initiated, cases that are not related to the electoral process.
The State Prosecutor announced in a statement that in the early national elections of December 28, no person was detained for criminal offenses.
According to the announcement, information was received and after verification, until the end of the voting process, it was found that only five of them present elements of a criminal offense against voting rights.
"The first case was initiated in the village of Ranillug - Gjilan, for the criminal offense under Article 210 of the Criminal Code of Kosovo: "Violation of the free determination of voters", where the suspect was released by decision of the prosecutor in the regular procedure. The second case was initiated in Zhegër - Gjilan, for the criminal offenses under Articles 214 and 215 of the Criminal Code of Kosovo: "Obstruction of the voting process" and "Violation of the secrecy of voting", where the suspect was released by decision of the prosecutor in the regular procedure. The third case was initiated in Prizren, for the criminal offense under Article: 217 "Destruction of voting documents", where the suspect was released by decision of the prosecutor in the regular procedure. The fourth case was initiated in Drenas, for the criminal offense under Article: 215 "Violation of the secrecy of voting", where the suspect was released by decision of the prosecutor in the regular procedure. The case of The fifth was initiated for "Violation of the secrecy of voting" in Suhareka," the State Prosecutor's announcement states.
The Ranilug case is related to the suspicion that the mayor of the municipality from the Serbian List, Tanja Antiq, was interviewed under suspicion of influencing voters to vote according to her instructions.
In Gracanica, a person was escorted to the police station on suspicion of influencing citizens to vote and also requesting health reports from certain people to be assisted during voting.
Complaints about assisted voting
Problems with assisted voting were also reported in these elections. Many citizens complained that those who could not read or write were not allowed to vote with assistance.
Deputy Ombudsman Majlinda Sinani-Lulaj said that from the reports they have received from colleagues in the field, complaints have mainly been about difficulties in voting with assistance.
According to her, apart from people with disabilities, who must have a certificate from institutions regarding their disability in order to be allowed to have someone assist them in the voting process, even illiterate people have not been allowed to vote with assistance.
"There is also some confusion among voters themselves, in the sense that when they go and receive a response from the officials responsible that they cannot vote without proof of disability, people with disabilities are not comfortable with this type of response, but we also have cases when we have people who are not able to write and read and have problems with the voting process, for whom there is no explanation, or at least we are not aware that there is a detailed explanation of how to act with them," Sinani-Lulaj said on the show Elections in the TIME.
On Sunday, the CEC confirmed that it had received complaints about power outages. According to it, power outages were reported in 6 polling stations in 6 municipalities: Istog, Ferizaj, Viti, Rahovec, Gracanica and Gjilan.
Democracy in Action is the largest coalition of organizations that has monitored the election process.
"As reported at other intervals during the day, the key issue that characterized the voting process is related to voters' difficulties in finding the correct polling station, despite the fact that they were offered the opportunity by the CEC to confirm their Voting Center through a link. Thus, since the opening of polling stations at 07:00, difficulties with locating the correct polling station have been reported in almost 2/3 of polling stations, while in 20% of polling stations the number of such cases has reached up to 30," the DNV statement reads.
"The implementation of the rule that allows voting with assistance only in cases where a medical document is presented has caused the phenomenon of voting with assistance to drop significantly compared to past electoral processes. During the 12 hours of the voting process, less than 1% of voters voted with assistance. Cases where assistance was not registered according to the rules were encountered in 11% of polling stations, up to 10 cases. By 19:00, voting with expired documents was encountered in over 30% of polling stations (up to 10 cases), while the number of cases where the ballot was photographed was 32 throughout the day."
Elections in the focus of international media
The elections in Kosovo have also aroused interest in international media, which have linked them to the one-year blockade in 2025.
The Associated Press, Reuters, The Guardian and the Washington Post have described these elections as an attempt to end this year's political crisis. "Kosovo voters vote in a second attempt this year to elect a government and avoid more crisis," the Associated Press wrote. This agency recalled that since February 9, Kosovo, although it held regular elections, has not managed to form a government. The Guardian has also published the same article. The Reuters agency has also reported similarly. "Kosovo votes in an attempt to end a year-long political deadlock," is the title of the article about Kosovo in Reuters.
Kurti: We will fulfill all promises
The leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, in the celebration of this party and its partners for the victory with nearly 50 percent in the December 28 elections, has pledged to fulfill all the promises made during the campaign.
He once again called his victory historic. While thanking the voters, Kurti said that "they have turned winter into summer, and politics into spring."
He asked that "citizens stand by the coalition" and "the coalition will stand even closer to them, by fulfilling its commitments."
Serbian List says it has won all Serb seats
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Serbian List has won all the seats reserved for the Serbian community, the party's leader, Zlatan Ellek, declared on Sunday after the early parliamentary elections.
According to the results from the processing of more than 99 percent of polling stations, the Serbian List received 41,335 votes.
Nenad Rashiq's party has so far received 4601 votes.
Meanwhile, Kosovski Savez received 541 votes.
From this calculation, 4648 votes are needed to win a seat.
Rašić had secured a seat in the February elections. As the only MP from his party, he was elected deputy speaker by the Serb community, after the majority of the Assembly refused to vote on the proposals from the Serbian List.
PDK in silence
Since the voting period ended, there has been silence from the Democratic Party of Kosovo.
While after the publication of the results, the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, announced his resignation and the leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Ramush Haradianj, expressed optimism about an opposition government, there was no reaction from the PDK.
According to preliminary results, PDK has 21.17% or 182.981 votes - a result similar to the February 9 elections.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, declared the biggest victory in the country's history.
Kurti on the presidential issue: First I will talk to Osmani, then to the opposition
The leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, has said that they will have to talk to the opposition about the president's issue. However, he previously stated that he will also meet with the current president, Vjosa Osmani.
"We also need to talk to the opposition about the issue of the president. First, we will sit down with the current president and then we will take the next steps in order to move forward together because it is known that both for international agreements and for the election of the president, at least 80 MPs must remain in the hall even if they vote against. This is the third step," Kurti said.
Osman's term expires in March.
Kurti declares victory: The biggest in Kosovo's history
The leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, has declared his party's victory in the December 28 elections, saying that it is on track to become the largest ever in Kosovo's history.
After processing over 96 percent of polling stations, VV and its partners have received almost 50 percent of the seats and only need to cooperate with the parties of non-majority communities to form the Government itself.
"On February 9, the Vetëvendosje Movement won, on December 28, the people and the Republic of Kosovo won. Congratulations on the greatest victory in the history of the country," he said.
Kurti then stated that once the results are certified, they will establish institutions and continue the good work. He mentioned international agreements, saying that he expects the cooperation of opposition parties to move them forward.
"We have a lot of work ahead of us. We must move forward, without delay. As soon as the results are certified, we will need to create institutions and continue the good work as soon as possible. We are waiting for the EU Growth Plan worth 880 million euros and three agreements with the World Bank worth 120 million. So over 1 billion. I invite the opposition parties from now on to cooperate in the Parliament for international agreements, good agreements and for the public interest of citizens", declared Kurti.
The leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, has declared his party's victory in the December 28 elections, saying that it is on track to become the largest ever in Kosovo's history.
After processing over 96 percent of polling stations, VV and its partners have received almost 50 percent of the seats and only need to cooperate with the parties of non-majority communities to form the Government itself.
"On February 9, the Vetëvendosje Movement won, on December 28, the people and the Republic of Kosovo won. Congratulations on the greatest victory in the history of the country," he said.
Kurti then stated that once the results are certified, they will establish institutions and continue the good work. He mentioned international agreements, saying that he expects the cooperation of opposition parties to move them forward.
"We have a lot of work ahead of us. We must move forward, without delay. As soon as the results are certified, we will need to create institutions and continue the good work as soon as possible. We are waiting for the EU Growth Plan worth 880 million euros and three agreements with the World Bank worth 120 million. So over 1 billion. I invite the opposition parties from now on to cooperate in the Parliament for international agreements, good agreements and for the public interest of citizens", declared Kurti.
The CEC announces the preliminary results
The Central Election Commission, in its last conference for today, announced the preliminary results.
On the CEC platform, out of 96% of the votes processed, the Vetëvendosje Movement has 49.80 percent of the votes or 422 thousand 561 votes. The Democratic Party of Kosovo ranks second with 21.21 percent or 179 thousand 933 votes. The Democratic League of Kosovo ranks third with 13.76 percent or 116 thousand 777 votes. The AAK ranks fourth based on the preliminary results with 5.73 percent or 48 thousand 630 votes.
The Social Democratic Initiative did not pass the threshold, with 14,545 votes or 1.71 percent.
The Chairman of the CEC, Kreshnik Radoniqi, has declared that the counting of votes for candidates for deputy will begin tomorrow, December 29th.
These results do not include diaspora votes, conditional votes, and those of people with special needs.
After processing 95 percent of votes, VV takes 56 seats in the Assembly
Photo: Driton Pacharada
After processing about 95 percent of polling stations nationwide, the Vetëvendosje Movement, with just under 50 percent of the vote, has secured 56 seats in the Assembly.
With the calculation according to the “D'Hondt” formula, the Democratic Party of Kosovo with 21 percent of the vote has 23 seats. The Democratic League has 15 seats, while the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo has secured 6 seats.
Compared to the February elections, the Vetëvendosje Movement has increased its number of seats in the Assembly by eight, from 48.
Meanwhile, the PDK lost one seat.
The biggest loser is the LDK, which has lost five seats, out of 20 it had.
AAK in coalition with Nisma had 8 seats.
This calculation is valid without counting votes cast by mail and those cast at diplomatic missions.
The other 20 seats are divided into 10 for the Serbian community and 10 for other communities. 61 votes are enough to have a majority.
Abdixhiku invites LDK Assembly, announces resignation
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, has taken responsibility for his party’s failure in the December 28 elections. He announced that in the coming days he will invite the party’s Assembly to review “all issues and responsibilities as leader.” In a press conference on Sunday, Abdixhiku signaled that he may resign from the position of leader.
He said that the LDK result is not what they expected and this will be a moment of reflection. He added that he respects the verdict of the citizens.
"Taking responsibility, in the coming days I will call the LDK Assembly and before it we will disclose and examine all the issues and responsibilities that I hold as chairman. The LDK result is not what we expected and desired. It is a moment of reflection. When citizens speak, we must listen. Democracy works when leaders are held accountable, even when they have such losses," said Abdixhiku.
Abdixhiku further stated that in these five years of leading the LDK, he has acted in a way that he believed was best for the party.
"These five years, I have acted as I believed was best for the LDK. However, today I openly say that I have not managed to take the LDK to where it should be. We have built a good team, we have built a dignified campaign, but this is the citizen's verdict and we bow before it. The citizen is always right," he added.
Abdixhiku also congratulated the winner of the elections, Albin Kurti.
"Let me congratulate the winner. The state is above each of us. Let's hope that the citizens have chosen correctly this time," he declared.
VV won in 24 municipalities
The Vetëvendosje Movement is reaping a convincing victory in the December 28 parliamentary elections.
With over 91 percent of polling stations counted, VV is in first place in 24 municipalities. It has over 50 percent of the votes.
It is the first in Gjakova, Gjilan, Dragash, Istog, Kaçanik, Klina, Fushë Kosova, Kamenica, South Mitrovica, Lipjan, Obiliq, Rahovec, Peja, Podujevo, Prishtina, Prizren, Shtime, Suhareka, Ferizaj, Viti, Vushtrri, Malisheva, Junik and Hani i Elezit.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo is first in Drenas and Skenderaj.
In Deçan there is the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo and in Mamusha there is the Turkish entity KDPT.
LDK candidate laments with Meda's song: It would be better if Monday never came
Democratic League of Kosovo candidate for MP, Ermal Sadiku, posted Meda's song, "Ai plumb" after the publication of the preliminary results for the parliamentary elections.
Sadiku was ironic with the part where the singer says "It would have been better if Monday hadn't come."
According to preliminary results, the third-placed LDK has around 14% of the vote.
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Peci mocks LDK
The Mayor of Mitrovica, Faton Peci, mocked the Democratic League of Kosovo after the publication of the results of the December 28 elections.
Peci has been seen ironizing the LDK's refusal to govern with the Vetëvendosje Movement.
"Come to the government, no we don't want it, come on, no we don't want it. Go ahead then," Peci wrote.
VIDEO:
DnV: VV received 47.91 percent of the votes
Democracy in Action has processed the data from the polling stations. According to the results of processing 90% of the data
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo received 5.62% while the Initiative did not pass the threshold with only 1.88%.
This result does not include diaspora and conditional votes.
VV exceeds 50 percent
With over 61 percent of polling stations counted, the Vetëvendosje Movement has surpassed 50 percent of the vote.
Currently, it has 50.24 percent or 257.390 votes.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo has 20 percent or 102.460 votes.
The Democratic League of Kosovo has 14.16 percent or 72.566 votes.
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo has 6.57 percent or 33.659.
LDK's Gashi: The result cannot be ignored, reflection is required
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Arben Gashi, candidate for deputy of the Democratic League of Kosovo, has called for reflection and responsible action, following the first results of the December 28 elections.
According to the results so far, the LDK has suffered a third decline in these elections compared to the February elections. According to the results, the Vetëvendosje Movement has won convincingly, with over 45 percent of the votes.
"When voters speak, the result cannot be ignored. Reflection and responsible action are required," Gashi wrote on Facebook.
VV starts the party in Pristina (photo)
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Vetëvendosje Movement has started the celebration in Pristina, following the publication of the first results of the December 28 elections.
According to the results so far, this party has grown since the February elections and has passed 46 percent.
VV supporters set off fireworks in the square in Pristina.
Photos from the scene: Driton Paçarada/KOHA
Sveçla: Youth with Lali is your friend
Acting Minister of Interior, Xhelal Sveçla, has made his first reaction after the December 28 elections.
He posted a photo with some young people and making the scissors symbol.
"Youth and Lali are giving you +4," he wrote.
Police: The election process passed peacefully and without serious incidents
Kosovo Police announced that the election process on Sunday went generally smoothly and without serious incidents. According to the announcement, the implementation of the police plan and inter-institutional cooperation and coordination contributed to the process today going without any major incidents.
"The implementation of the police plan, inter-institutional cooperation and coordination has had a positive impact on the entire electoral process passing peacefully and without any major incident that would have hindered or violated the electoral process, therefore, in terms of security, it is assessed that the electoral process passed peacefully and without serious incidents. One of the goals of the police operational plan was to guarantee a peaceful environment for voting, initiate and prosecute any possible criminal offense in coordination with the justice authorities and bring all "Those who violate the law, specifically violate the electoral process," the police statement said.
Also in coordination with the State Prosecution, the Kosovo Police says it has initiated five criminal cases.
"The Kosovo Police, in cooperation and coordination with the State Prosecution, regarding the electoral process, has today initiated 5 (five) criminal cases such as; 'Violation of the secrecy of voting', 'Violation of the free determination of voters', 'Obstruction of the voting process' and 'Destruction of voting documents', where the persons involved in the cases by decision of the competent prosecutors were released in a regular procedure. 30 (thirty) pieces of information were handled and in 5 (five) cases they were recorded with an 'official note', the police announcement further states.
Also, in cooperation and coordination with the justice bodies, other cases have been handled and initiated, cases that are not related to the electoral process.
Haradinaj: We have 8 percent or 9 seats in the Assembly, we want a coalition with PDK and LDK
The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, said that in the December 28 elections, his party won 8 percent of the vote or 9 seats in the Assembly.
He said that this is based on information from polling stations.
In a press conference, Haradinaj called for a coalition of parties that were previously in opposition, the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic League of Kosovo.
"AAK has not set and does not set conditions for the opposition. But now is the time to reflect. From us, both parties have a partner and we are ready to cooperate and give them a majority," he said.
LDK's Lushaku: Keep your head up!
Former Democratic League of Kosovo MP, Jehona Lushaku-Sadriu, has called on the party's voters to keep their heads high.
"To all today's LDK voters: keep your heads up! I love you!" she wrote.
According to exit polls, LDK is in decline compared to the February 9 election.
State Prosecutor: No one detained for criminal offenses in these elections
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The State Prosecutor, through a statement, said that in the early national elections of December 28, no person was detained for criminal offenses.
During today's announcement, information was received and after verification, until the end of the voting process, it was found that only five of them present elements of a criminal offense against voting rights.
"The first case was initiated in the village of Ranillug - Gjilan, for the criminal offense under Article 210 of the Criminal Code of Kosovo: "Violation of the free determination of voters", where the suspect was released by the prosecutor's decision in a regular procedure. The second case was initiated in Zhegër - Gjilan, for the criminal offenses under Articles 214 and 215 of the Criminal Code of Kosovo "Obstruction of the voting process" and "Violation of the secrecy of voting", where the suspect was released in regular procedure by decision of the prosecutor. The third case was initiated in Prizren, for the criminal offense under article: 217 “Destruction of voting documents”, where the suspect was released in regular procedure by decision of the prosecutor. The fourth case was initiated in Drenas, for the criminal offense under article: 215 "Violation of the secrecy of voting", where the suspect was released in a regular procedure by decision of the prosecutor. A fifth case has also been initiated for "Violation of the secrecy of voting" in Suhareka", the State Prosecutor's announcement states.
State prosecutors will continue to supervise the counting of votes at polling stations until they are sent to municipal counting centers.
Publication of preliminary results begins
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Central Election Commission has begun publishing preliminary results for the December 28 parliamentary elections.
Follow the results live HERE
53.5 percent voted in Pristina
Photo: Driton Pacharada
In Pristina, 117,447 citizens, or 53.5 percent of eligible voters, voted in the early elections in Kosovo on Sunday.
Pristina is among the municipalities with the highest turnout. Only Mamusha 63.76 percent, Zubin Potok 56.45 percent, Leposavic 56.35 percent, Ranilug 55.05 percent and Novo Brdo 54.6 percent were higher.
Turnout above 50 percent was also recorded in Kaçanik (52.84 percent), Štrpce (52.22 percent), Shtime (around 51.5 percent), and Obiliq (50.21 percent).
Muhaxhiri: The opposition gave VV a spectacular victory
Political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri said that Vetëvendosje's landslide victory, according to published exit polls, is an indication that "the opposition gave it a spectacular victory."
"The opposition has given VV a spectacular victory, because after 5 years in power, after a year of deadlock, after countless violations of the Constitution, the lack of economic development and the breakdown of relations with allies... there is no other logic than that, despite all the shortcomings, citizens have considered the opposition to be more harmful than VV," he said in the KTV debate on the parliamentary elections held today.
According to exit polls published on several television stations, VV has recorded an increase since the February 9 elections, while other parties have decreased. VV had around 42.3 percent in the previous elections.
Gërvalla: Thank you Kosovo
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The chairwoman of the Guxo party, a party that competed with LVV and Alternativa, Donika Gërvalla, after the end of the voting process, wrote on her social network Facebook, "Thank you Kosovo."
According to published exit polls, the winner of the elections is this coalition.
Record number of votes broken at polling stations in Kosovo
The parliamentary elections of December 28th have made history in terms of citizen turnout at polling stations within Kosovo. According to the processing of more than 99.57 percent of polling stations, 885,514 citizens exercised their right to vote.
In percentage terms, this means that 45.00 percent of those eligible to vote exercised their right to vote.
The previous record was set on February 9 this year. At that time, 871,662 voters had cast their votes in polling stations in Kosovo. Meanwhile, together with the votes of the diaspora and those in representation, the number had reached 966,000 votes.
The elections this time coincided with the holidays. Hundreds of thousands of citizens from the diaspora are in Kosovo and this has been a major topic in recent weeks.
Kurti calls for votes to be preserved
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The candidate for prime minister from the LVV, Albin Kurti, has called for the commissioners and observers to preserve the votes, now that the voting process has ended and the counting has begun.
"The will of the citizens is already found in the ballot boxes. Preserving this expressed will is essential for the legitimacy and credibility of the electoral process. There we have the determination for the future of our country and its institutions. And for this, our minds, eyes and ears are with you, commissioners and observers. You have an extremely important and decisive task," Kurti said through a video published on his social network Facebook.
Voting period ends
Photo: Driton Pacharada
At 19:00, the period allowed to enter polling stations to vote ended.
Those at the polling stations have the right to finish voting.
By 17:00 PM, more than 770 voters, or about 39 percent of those eligible to vote, had exercised their right to vote.
Pula: There are incidents, but no people detained
The National Coordinator for Elections, Prosecutor Laura Pula, stated that during today's election process, no case was recorded that damaged the integrity of the process, but several incidents were identified for which no persons were detained, but only interviewed.
She stated that where elements of a criminal offense have been found, investigations have begun and are continuing.
"Generally, it went well, we do not have any blatant cases that have damaged the integrity of this electoral process, we have various incidents that have occurred and we have reported them, and where we have found elements of a criminal offense, we have only begun investigations in some cases and the investigations continue," she told "KosovaPress".
Prosecutor Laura Pula said that the criminal offenses were related to the violation of the voter's free determination, where in this case the mayor of Ranilug, Tanja Antiq, was interviewed, as well as two other cases that constitute a criminal offense.
"Almost the criminal offenses were the violation of the free determination of voters where the mayor of Ranullig was questioned and interviewed and we have another criminal offense of destruction of documents of the electoral process that happened to a person who tore up the ballot due to the fact that he wanted to assist the woman to vote and they did not allow him because the medical document was not in order... We have the clash in Zhegër which corresponded only to the interview. We have no cases of detained persons, we have 3 incident cases and other cases are being treated, but until the end we will see after the investigations whether any concrete cases with criminal liability emerge from an incident", he said.
Even in this early parliamentary election process of December 28, there were 4 or 5 cases of photographing votes, but after being interviewed, these people were released.
According to Pula, cases of voting being photographed occurred in Rahovec, Prizren and Peja.
Gracanica, a suspect suspected of influencing citizens to vote is escorted to the police station
The Basic Prosecution Office in Pristina has announced that a person has been escorted to the police station in Graçanica on suspicion of influencing citizens to vote and has also requested health reports from certain persons, so that they can be assisted during voting.
"The Basic Prosecution Office in Pristina informs the public that it has received anonymous information regarding suspicions that a person MS has influenced citizens to vote and has also requested health reports from certain persons, in order for persons to be assisted during the voting process. The suspect has been escorted to the police station in the Municipality of Graçanica, where all necessary investigative measures and actions are being taken against him, in accordance with all legal procedures," the Basic Prosecution Office said in a statement.
The report further states that "during the initial check, nothing suspicious was found, and the same person was interviewed by the competent authorities."
The DnV says that power problems are being reported at two polling stations
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Democracy in Action (DnV) has announced that two hours before the end of the voting process, power outages were reported in at least two polling stations, while in another polling station, a problem with mismatched codes on ballots was identified.
According to the DnV, after ten hours from the opening of polling stations, the electoral process is generally proceeding smoothly, while an increase in citizens' interest in voting has been observed. The turnout by 17:00 has reached around 38,9 percent, almost the same as the February 9 elections, when in the same time interval the participation was around 39 percent.
The regions with the highest voter turnout are the municipalities with a Serb majority with around 47 percent, followed by the Pristina region with around 43 percent.
DnV has also identified several irregularities during the voting process. One of the most frequent remains the difficulty of voters in finding the correct polling station. These problems were reported in about 70 percent of polling stations, while in 15 percent of them up to 30 such cases were recorded.
Regarding assisted voting, DnV emphasizes that the trend has remained similar to the morning hours, but extended to more polling stations. In 9 percent of polling stations, cases of unrecorded assisted voting have been reported. Also, in 75 percent of polling stations, commissioners have requested medical documents from all citizens who have requested to vote with assistance, while in 55 percent of polling stations, assisted voting has not been allowed without these documents, despite the insistence of voters.
Problems have also been reported with voting with invalid documents. By 17:00 p.m., cases of voting with expired documents were encountered in 30 percent of polling stations, while cases of identification with invalid documents were recorded in 10 percent of them.
DnV has also reported isolated cases of photographing votes, describing this phenomenon as a violation of the secrecy of voting and potentially related to vote buying, voter intimidation or distortion of their will. By 17:00, a total of 21 such cases had been recorded, recorded in about 3 percent of polling stations.
Democracy in Action has announced that it will continue monitoring the process until the closing of polling stations and will inform the public of any new developments.
Around 760 thousand citizens exercised their right to vote until 17:00
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Exactly 759,877 people have exercised their right to vote in the early parliamentary elections by 5:00 p.m., according to the processing of 97.54 percent of polling stations on the Central Election Commission website.
In percentage terms, this means that 38.01 percent of those eligible to vote have exercised their right to vote so far.
In the February elections, 966 voters, including diaspora votes, voted nationwide. February was the highest number of voters ever.
Palokaj: The diaspora continues to be connected to Kosovo, this is also proven by participation in the elections
KOHË's Brussels correspondent, Augustin Palokaj, said that the Kosovo diaspora is very politically engaged and connected to Kosovo. Palokaj said that this is also proven through participation in elections.
"The Kosovo diaspora is quite politically engaged. It continues to be connected to Kosovo and feels that connection, which is also evidenced through participation in elections that is not seen so much in some other peoples. Kosovo is still a phenomenon, it always has been. Kosovo politics, as far as I can remember, has never developed without the active participation of the diaspora in all political parties, in all intellectual, media, and even military structures. This did not depend on party affiliation and does not depend on it now. The fact that at a certain moment the diaspora votes more for one party or another, more or less reflects the situation in Kosovo. Maybe there is a slightly different tendency, but there is no major change," Palokaj said in "Elections in the NOW".
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Palokaj also indicated that the diaspora had saved Romania from Russian influence.
"There are countries where they have a large diaspora. Romania has millions. In percentage terms compared to the people living in their home country, it is not as large as Kosovo, but Romania has over 20 million inhabitants and has a large diaspora. The Romanian diaspora has been key in preventing the victory of pro-Russian forces in Romania. Likewise, Moldova, where there were elections and a referendum to join the EU. Thanks to the pro-European vote of the diaspora, since it is mainly located in the EU, the pro-European forces won and it was barely prevented that the pro-Russian forces would win in those countries," said Palokaj.
Palokaj also pointed out the difference between the Croatian and Kosovo diaspora.
He said that the Croatian diaspora has lost interest in voting.
"I am a citizen of Croatia and I vote at the Croatian Embassy here in Belgium in the Croatian elections. I have noticed the very rapid disappearance of the will of Croats to participate in the Croatian elections. As an example, I take Brussels where there are not so many Croats, and I also add Dublin in Ireland where there are over 45 thousand Croats and not even 100 or 200 vote. It means that those young people who have left Croatia have completely disconnected and no longer want to have any connection, except when they go on vacation at the sea," said Palokaj.
He showed how in Croatia in the post-war period the diaspora was extremely engaged.
"Croatia is a country where it has reserved three seats in the Assembly for representatives of the diaspora, to appreciate its contribution to the independence of Croatia, the financing of the defensive war and the contribution it has made to the recovery of the state... On the other hand, Croatia has misused the diaspora. As a diaspora, every Croatian citizen living outside Croatia, and here Croatian citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also considered, who number over 1 million. Not even half of them are Croatian, but they have Croatian citizenship and consequently those three seats are filled by Bosnian Croats. Those seats have always been won by center-right parties," said Palokaj.
And political analyst Adrian Zeqiri has shown how in Israel those who are not residents are not allowed to vote in national elections.
"There are many countries that face the diaspora vote, including the country from which the name diaspora originates, Israel. It is the Jewish community that is spread all over the world, including most of all in the USA. There are probably as many Jews in the USA as there are in Israel. However, there, without being a resident of Israel, even if you have citizenship and do not prove that you are a resident, you do not have the right to vote. The meaning that certain rights have been limited to Israeli citizens who do not live in Israel... It is different for two-three weeks to come and live in Kosovo as an example and different for those who live here every day, they face it," said Zeqiri.
The Kosovo diaspora voted through embassies on Saturday for the December 28 snap elections.
A person is being escorted to the police station on suspicion of photographing a vote
A person has been escorted to the police station on suspicion of photographing a vote.
"Oath for Justice" learns that the incident occurred in the village of Gelanc, Suhareka.
Regarding the proceedings of this case, we will inform you after the completion of the interview of the suspect.
"Efforts to end the crisis" – world media headlines on the elections in Kosovo
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The December 28 parliamentary elections in Kosovo have also made headlines in the most prestigious international media. The Associated Press, Reuters, The Guardian and the Washington Post have described these elections as an attempt to end this year's political crisis.
"Kosovo voters vote in second attempt this year to elect a government and avoid more crisis," is the headline of the Associated Press agency.
This agency recalled that since February 9, although Kosovo held regular elections, the parties have not managed to form a government.
A pensioner from Pristina also spoke to this media outlet. Ilmi Deliu said he hopes the elections “will bring change or we will end up in the abyss.” “Young people don’t want to live here anymore,” he said.
The same article was also published by "The Guardian".
Reuters has also reported similarly. "Kosovo votes in bid to end year-long political deadlock," is the title of the Reuters article on Kosovo.
Ranilug Mayor Interviewed on Suspicion of Influence on Voters
The Mayor of Ranilug Municipality, Tanja Antiq, has been interviewed under suspicion of influencing voters to vote according to her instructions.
This was confirmed to KOHA by Ismet Hashani, Police spokesman for the Gjilan region.
"On 28.12.2025, through operational channels, we received information that the member of the leadership of the women's forum from the Serbian List party and currently the Mayor of the Municipality of Ranilug, is suspected of having exerted influence on unspecified voters or voters of other entities through members of the Municipal Election Commission of this party in the municipality of Ranilug. The same are suspected of having been threatened with the interruption of the benefits that these citizens receive from the state of Serbia, in case of not voting according to the instructions," said Hashani.
The suspect was interviewed and a case of "Violation of the secrecy of voting" was initiated against her.
"The suspect was escorted to the regional investigation premises and interviewed in the presence of a lawyer with the aim of verifying information and clarifying the circumstances. After the interview, by decision of the State Prosecutor, she was released, while the case "Violation of the secrecy of voting" will continue to be investigated by the Regional Investigation Unit in Gjilan in full coordination with the Basic Prosecution Office", said Hashani.
By 15:00 PM, 28.65% of citizens had voted, over 14 more than on February 9.
Photo: Driton Pacharada
According to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), 28.65% of citizens have voted by 15:00 p.m.
According to data published on the CEC website, up to this hour, 366,876 citizens out of 1,999,204 citizens eligible to vote have exercised their right to vote.
These data were published by processing data from 97,15 of the polling stations.
Compared to the February 9 elections, 14,477 more citizens voted.
The Chairman of the CEC, Kreshnik Radoniqi, said that in the February 9 elections, 28.32% had voted by 15 p.m.
"At the same time, in the February elections, out of about 91% of polling stations, 28.32% or 558,246 voters had voted," Radoniqi emphasized.
Radoniqi said that problems with electricity have been reported in several polling stations,
"According to the report at 15:00, the CEC operational room reported several problems with power outages in 3 voting centers in the Municipality of Skenderaj, two in the Municipality of Malisheva, two in Novo Brdo and Obiliq. KEDS was notified of these cases to take steps to restore power and according to information, this happened very quickly," he said.
By 13:00 PM, 18.59% of citizens had voted.
Photo: Driton Pacharada
According to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), 18.35% of citizens have voted by 13:00 p.m.
According to data published on the CEC website, up to this hour, 366,876 citizens out of 1,999,204 citizens eligible to vote have exercised their right to vote.
These data were published by processing data from 98.56% of polling stations.
Difficulty in finding the name on the voter list and taking pictures of the vote - irregularities found by DnV
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Since the opening of polling stations at 07:00, according to observers from Democracy in Action (DnV), the voting process across the country has been proceeding smoothly. However, DnV has identified several irregularities.
There were complaints from voters who could not find their name at the polling center where they showed up.
DnV observers reported that by 12:00, difficulty finding one's name on the list had been reported in 50% of polling stations, but that the number of cases was small, up to 10 such cases.
But there were also polling stations (1,6%) where a significant number of voters (up to 30 voters) did not find their name on the list, with the municipalities of Pristina and Peja leading the way.
There have been several cases where voters have complained that someone else has signed on their behalf on the Voters' List, and that in 1.4% of polling stations, DnV reported.
Regarding assisted voting, as of noon, commissioners in 61% of polling stations are enforcing the rule and are requesting documents to allow assisted voting. In 35% of polling stations, even though voters requested to vote with assistance, they were not allowed to vote due to lack of medical documents, he further announced.
"As of 12:00, of the number of citizens who have voted so far, only 1% of them have voted with assistance. Also, in 5% of polling stations we have encountered isolated cases (up to 4 cases) where young voters have requested to vote with assistance. As a general trend, voting with assistance is being recorded in the Book, but there have also been cases where voting with assistance has not been conducted in accordance with the rules, and this has happened in 5% of polling stations, where up to 10 cases have not been recorded at all in the Voting Book."
Meanwhile, cases of photography have also been reported, 13 in total.
"As of 12:00, there have been 13 cases of photographing votes," said DnV.
DnV said that in Serb-majority municipalities in the north of the country, voter turnout was reported to be over 22%, which is almost twice as high as the overall average turnout at the national level.
Ombudsman: Illiterate people are not being allowed to vote with assistance
Deputy Ombudsman Majlinda Sinani-Lulaj said that from the reports they have received from colleagues in the field, complaints have mainly been about difficulties in voting with assistance.
According to her, apart from people with disabilities, who must have a certificate from disability institutions to be allowed to have someone assist them in the voting process, even illiterate people have not been allowed to vote with assistance.
"There is also some confusion among voters themselves, in the sense that when they go and receive a response from the officials responsible that they cannot vote without proof of disability, people with disabilities are not comfortable with this type of response, but we also have cases when we have people who are not able to write and read and have problems with the voting process, for whom there is no explanation, or at least we are not aware that there is a detailed explanation of how to act with them," Sinani-Lulaj said on the show Elections in the TIME.
Sinani-Lulaj said that even elderly people who need assistance are not being allowed assistance or are having difficulty voting.
The chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Kreshnik Radoniqi, spoke about this on Sunday.
"There are no rules for people who cannot read or write, the law removed this category in 2023 as a category for voting with assistance. As for the CEC, we have a standard procedure for these people as well, they are not denied the right to vote, but these people cannot be assisted behind the ballot box, their assistance is only provided up to the ballot box. But they can communicate with anyone to vote, but they must cast their vote themselves," he said.
Osmani: I hope these elections result in the fastest possible establishment of institutions
Photo: Driton Pacharada
President Vjosa Osmani has said that the December 28 elections should result in the rapid formation of the Parliament and government, in order to advance necessary processes for the country.
After exercising her right to vote, Osmani added that she is convinced that "all political parties will find a way forward so that we have functional institutions with full legitimacy."
"I hope that our Republic will have peaceful, orderly, democratic elections. I hope that we will have elections with the most massive participation of citizens. Elections are an important democratic process. I hope that the results will result in the earliest possible establishment of a parliament and elections of a government, which are necessary for important internal and international processes for Kosovo," the president said.
In Rahovec, complaints about visible marks on the numbers on the ballots
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Kreshnik Radoniqi, said that they have received complaints from several voting centers in Rahovec regarding marks on the ballot paper numbers.
"We have received a notification from the Municipality of Rahovec, where it was noticed in the voting centers that the ballots have visible marks on the numbers. This has caused complaints among the polling station councils," Radoniqi emphasized at the press conference.
He has not explained what signs he is talking about.
Power problems reported at 6 polling stations
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Kreshnik Radoniqi, said that they have received complaints about problems with electricity in 6 polling centers.
"According to the 11 a.m. report in the CEC's operations room, problems with a lack of electricity have been reported in 6 voting centers, in 6 municipalities, Istog, Ferizaj, Viti, Rahovec, Gracanica and Gjilan," Radoniqi said at the press conference.
He said that the municipal election commissions have notified KEDS about this.
CEC: 8.27% of voters voted by 11:00
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Over 165 eligible citizens have voted by 11:00 on Sunday.
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi, has announced that 165,404 people or 8.27% of the total voters have voted so far.
"From the data we have received from about 94% of polling stations, the number of citizens who voted is 165,404 voters or 8.27%. Up until the same time in the February elections, 169,650 voters had voted," he said.
Citizen complains that his illiterate mother was not allowed to vote
Photo: Driton Pacharada
A voter complained Sunday morning that his illiterate mother was unable to exercise her right to vote because he was not allowed to be with her. Zenel Cërnaveri said she had asked the CEC for information on whether she needed any documents, but was told she did not need them.
Cernaveri said that his mother is in good physical condition to walk on her own and cast her vote in the box, but that she does not know how to read the ballot with the names of the candidates.
"Today I was at the 'Iliria' school to vote with my mother, but previously in the local elections I was with my mother and they didn't let her vote. My mother is 84 years old, she doesn't know how to write. They told me that I need a certificate. I was in Matiqan on Wednesday to the doctors and I asked them for a document so that she could vote. I called the CEC, I asked them that my mother is 84 years old and what document do I need to assist my mother. They told me that you don't need anything. I asked them if you are sure that's what happened to me, they told me there is no problem. When I went with my mother now, they didn't let us in. They said you need a document. We were left without voting," he told Koha.
And, the chairman of the CEC, Kreshnik Radoniqi, after having himself exercised his right to vote on Sunday, explained the voting procedure for people who cannot read or write,
"There are no rules for people who cannot read or write, the law removed this category in 2023 as a category for voting with assistance. As for the CEC, we have a standard procedure for these people as well, they are not denied the right to vote, but these people cannot be assisted behind the ballot box, their assistance is only provided up to the ballot box. But they can communicate with anyone to vote, but they must cast their vote themselves," he said.
Limaj, to citizens: Today you decide in whose hands you will leave decision-making for the country
The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Fatmir Limaj, said that today is an important day for Kosovo's democracy.
He stated that today is the day for every citizen to make a decision to make this country more functional.
"Decision-making today is in the hands of every citizen to give an opportunity, hope for the development of the state of Kosovo. I hope that every citizen of Kosovo will decide on the functioning of the state. Today you will decide in whose hands you will leave the decision-making." for Kosovo," he said.
Abdixhiku votes: In elections, decision-making returns to the citizen
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, said that in elections, decision-making returns to the citizen.
He said he hopes that election day goes well.
"Let me wish you on this day where decision-making returns to the sovereign citizen, it is a good, auspicious day and let us hope that the entire voting process will continue to go smoothly. I wish the citizens of Kosovo on this important day that determines the fate of the next four years," Abdixhiku said, after voting.
Hamza - to citizens: Vote according to your convictions and will
Photo: Archive
The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), and candidate for prime minister, Bedri Hamza, has invited all citizens to vote, as he said, according to their beliefs and will.
After voting, he stressed that he expects a good result.
The PDK leader has said that he expects election day to be peaceful.
Kurti: I hope that the tenth legislature will constitute the Assembly as soon as possible
Photo: Driton Pacharada
The leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, has invited citizens to exercise their right and use the opportunity to determine the composition of the next Parliament.
He said that he hopes that the tenth legislature will constitute the next Assembly as soon as possible and form the new government.
"I thank the citizens for participating in the campaigns, and also for the patience and commitment they have shown. I think the participation will be massive," he said.
DnV: 3% of polling stations opened late, some due to the absence of commissioners and some due to power outages
Only 3% of polling stations opened late on Sunday, according to the Democracy in Action coalition, largely due to a lack of commissioners. However, delays at two polling stations were also caused by a power outage.
There were also problems with cameras in a small number of polling stations, the coalition of non-governmental organizations for election observation, DnV, has announced.
"According to field data, only 3% of polling stations were opened late. The most pronounced delays were in the Peja region. It has been reported that the main reason behind the delays in opening polling stations on time is related to the lack of commissioners. Only in 2% of polling stations were there no adequate placement of voting booths or cameras. The improper placement of cameras was more pronounced in municipalities with a Serb majority," the press release states.
DnV assessed that a significant number of Voting Centers in Kosovo continue to be inaccessible to persons with physical disabilities.
"It has been reported that 16% of Voting Centers nationwide do not have adequate infrastructure or ramps that allow easier access to the facilities where voting is taking place."
DnV observers have reported the presence of posters and other propaganda materials of political entities within 100 meters of the voting center, specifically in the vicinity of 3% of the centers.
They also reported that 18% of centers do not have help desks, which is a problem that is most pronounced in the regions of Ferizaj, Gjilan and Peja.
Democracy in Action (DnV) is monitoring the progress of the electoral process with 500 static observers, who are present at 500 polling stations.
Haradinaj - to citizens: Voting is the biggest decision you can make
The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), and candidate for prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj, has called on citizens to vote.
He said that the decision to vote is the biggest decision they can make.
Haradinaj said that he decided to vote in Gllogjan in order to join the rest of his family, emphasizing that the rest of his family will vote in Pristina.
Serbian List votes in a group again
The Serbian List, in these elections as well as in the local elections, voted as a group.
The leader of this party, Zlatan Elek, has said that he expects these elections to be peaceful and democratic.
He appealed to Kosovo Serb citizens to come out in large numbers to vote.
"Today, a happy day, a working day and an election. As you can see, a large number of citizens have come to the polling stations. I expect these elections to be peaceful and democratic, I appeal to our citizens to come out and vote in as many numbers as possible and exercise their democratic right and elect those who will represent them tomorrow, namely to elect their rightful representatives," he said.
Even on October 12, in the local elections, the Serbian List voted as a group, which was considered illegal.
Around 100 prosecutors engaged in the smooth running of the elections
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Around 100 state prosecutors and support staff of the prosecutorial system are engaged in today's elections.
In a press release, it is announced that the State Prosecutor has made all necessary preparations to protect the free vote of citizens, guaranteeing the integrity of the electoral process.
"Around 100 state prosecutors and prosecutorial system officials have been engaged in these elections, who are standing guard throughout the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, until the end of the electoral process, in order to proceed with any irregularities that may occur in these early elections for the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo. Prosecutors are staying in their offices in cities where basic prosecutors exist, while in those places where the prosecution does not have a facility, prosecutors will stay in police stations, where in cooperation with Kosovo Police investigators they will be in defense of the free vote of citizens," the announcement states.
Meanwhile, the national coordinator for elections, prosecutor Laura Pula, is reportedly overseeing the entire implementation of the duties of the regional coordinators, engaged prosecutors and the prosecutor on duty at the CEC.
CEC: The voting process has started on time in all centers
Election material, including ballots, was distributed in the early hours and voting has already begun as scheduled at 7:00, the Kosovo Election Commission announced.
CEC spokesperson, Valmir Elezi, said that the voting process has begun smoothly in all polling centers.
"The voting process has started in all polling centers in Kosovo. Today, the voting process will take place in 948 polling centers with 2614 polling stations, of which 910 are centers and 38 are conditional voting centers. The number of citizens with the right to vote is 1,999,204 voters," he said at the press conference.
Elezi has indicated that the broadcast of preliminary results will begin before 20:00 PM on Sunday.
"The CEC has made preparations to broadcast data from the voter turnout process today at several times and in the evening to begin broadcasting preliminary results for political entities. We believe that before 20:00 PM we will begin broadcasting data from the first polling stations that have completed the counting of ballots by that time," said Elezi.
Radoniqi: Citizens should exercise their right to vote
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi, after the vote called on citizens to go out and exercise their right to vote.
He told the media that despite the short time and challenges, all preparations have been made. the right thing and everything is ready as far as the CEC is concerned.
"Yesterday we had the voting process in the diaspora and everything went smoothly according to the reports. I wish it to be a peaceful and happy day." "Good luck to everyone and may the process not have any problems," he said.
Radoniqi said that, excluding America and Canada, the number of those who voted in the diaspora is over 15.
Polling stations open
Photo: Driton Pacharada
As of 7 am, polling stations have opened in election centers in Kosovo's municipalities.
1 million, 999 thousand and 24 people have the right to vote in these elections.
A day before the start of voting, the Central Election Commission announced that all necessary preparations have been made for the smooth running of the process.
In addition to regular voting centers, there will be one conditional voting center in each municipality.
According to the CEC, the electoral process will take place in 910 polling centers in 2557 polling stations.
Kosovo votes
Photo: Archive
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Around two million citizens of Kosovo will have the opportunity to vote on Sunday, in the snap parliamentary elections that were announced after the legislature that emerged from the February 9 elections did not approve either of the two government cabinets that were proposed.
On Saturday morning, teams from the Central Election Commission (CEC) distributed election materials, including ballots, to 38 municipalities in Kosovo. As of 7:00 AM, 1 million 999 thousand 24 citizens are eligible to go to the polls to elect the tenth legislature.
CEC spokesperson, Valmir Elezi, said that all preparations have been made so that the voting process can begin on time.
"The number of voting centers that will open on December 28 is 948, of which 910 for regular voting with 2,557 polling stations. Also, 38 voting centers with a total of 57 polling stations will be opened to enable conditional voting," Elezi said.
For Sunday's elections, 24 political entities with 1,180 candidates for deputies are competing. Of these, 8 political entities are Albanians with 624 candidates aiming for 100 seats in the Assembly, while the rest are entities from the communities competing for the 20 guaranteed seats.
The February and December elections will be organized in accordance with legal changes, according to which political entities have the right to campaign until 7:00 a.m., when polling stations open. The changes require that after the ballot boxes close at 19:00 p.m., the counting of votes at polling stations will be done only for parties, while for candidates for deputies the procedure will take place from Monday.
Spokesperson Elezi announced that the publication of preliminary results in real time will begin in the first hour after voting ends.
"The CEC has made preparations to publish the preliminary results of political entities from the elections for the Assembly of Kosovo on December 28. The results from the first polling stations will begin to be published starting before 20:00 and they will be updated polling station by polling station," he said. "So, within a short time after the ballots of a polling station are counted, the data will be published on the results platform."
In the February 9 elections, the platform for publishing results in real time failed. CEC officials said there was external interference in the system.
But, in the fall, in the local elections and in the run-off that followed, the platform functioned and within the first hour after the voting closed, the results began to be published.
In addition to the results, the CEC will also publish voter turnout data at five different times: 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00.
The Chairman of the CEC, Kreshnik Radoniqi, has appealed to all members of municipal election commissions and polling station councils to be up to the task, to respect the law and the CEC's election rules.
"We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, a day where we must offer citizens the right to vote, so we hope that everyone is up to the task and respects the rules and the law," said Radoniqi, at the CEC conference, organized in the evening hours.
Other institutions have also said that all actions have been taken to guarantee a fair voting process.
The police have drafted and are implementing the operational order for election day, and the day before, two coordination meetings were held at the premises of the General Directorate of Police regarding the planning, implementation and coordination of this order.
The Director General of Police, Gazmend Hoxha, has requested supervision from all regional and central managers and has given the order for the police to carry out this activity with the highest professionalism and integrity.
The police have pledged that, in cooperation with local and international institutions, they will implement their duties and responsibilities in order to guarantee the free and democratic exercise of the right to vote for all citizens. This institution has encouraged citizens to cooperate and report any suspected cases or illegal actions related to security and the electoral process.
The Prosecutor's Office has also made a similar appeal.
The State Prosecutor's Office has invited citizens, political entities, institutions and various organizations to denounce any case of suspected voter abuse or manipulation, in any form and by anyone.
The announcement by this institution stated that all preparations have been completed with the aim of protecting the free vote of citizens and guaranteeing the integrity of the electoral process.
This office has announced that around 100 state prosecutors and prosecutorial system officials will be engaged on Sunday.
"They will be distributed throughout the territory of the Republic of Kosovo and will remain in charge until the full completion of the electoral process, with the aim of handling and prosecuting any irregularities or possible legal violations that may occur during the elections," the prosecution body announced.
The conduct of this electoral process will also be monitored by local and international observers. On Saturday evening, observers from Albania were also welcomed at the CEC offices. In the capacity of observers of these elections, in addition to non-governmental and several other international organizations, the Council of Europe is also accredited with 23 observers.
The election was preceded by an 11-day campaign. The non-governmental organization group Democracy in Action (DnV) assessed that the campaign was competitive, but focused on leaders, and had a low level of civic enthusiasm.
At a press conference on the last day of the campaign, Ismet Kryeziu, head of the DnV, said that the race was calm and without serious incidents.
However, according to DnV, the observation has shown several trends and challenges that have directly impacted the quality of the campaign.
"Citizen participation in campaign activities has fluctuated significantly between political entities and organized forms of meetings, from hundreds of participants to over 1000 participants. The types of activities have been combined with medium participation and wide participation in the presentation of lists, and have been developed mainly in closed environments. The scope of activities has shown a concentration of entities in urban centers and larger municipalities with electoral weight, while smaller municipalities have been less exposed," the DnV statement states.
This group of organizations has also observed personalization and centralization of campaigns.
"Party leaders, or candidates for prime minister, have dominated almost all activities, while candidates for deputies and other party structures have had a secondary role. Although there have been meetings and organizations of candidates without the presence of the leader, these meetings have mainly been of the nature of small meetings. This personalization of the campaign towards the leader has limited the opportunities and programmatic presentations by the candidates," was another finding.
According to DnV, the campaign has focused mainly on economic, social and security issues. The topics have been employment, wages, social welfare, education, health, infrastructure and NATO membership. These topics have dominated the public messages of political entities and have been used as key elements for mobilizing the electorate.
According to DnV, the use of offensive and discriminatory language has been much less pronounced in this campaign.
On Sunday, the DnV will observe the electoral process, with 550 field observers who will report throughout the day on the progress of voting and vote counting, while 50 operators at the Call Center will process the data digitally.
But, for election day, a concern has been expressed in the CEC – 888 voting centers out of 948 that will be open on Sunday may face power outages on election day. And, representatives of KEDS, after meeting with those of the CEC, have pledged that they will ensure conditions for a stable power supply and said that for this purpose teams will be engaged in each voting center.
As part of the legal changes for elections, it has been requested that polling stations and counting centers have cameras installed.