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December 2025 Kosovan parliamentary election

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December 2025 Kosovan parliamentary election
Kosovo
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28 December 2025
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All 120 seats in the Assembly
61 seats needed for a majority
Turnout47.66% (Increase 1.11pp)
Party Leader Vote % Seats +/–
LVV[a] Albin Kurti 51.11 57 +9
PDK Bedri Hamza[b] 20.19 22 −2
LDK Lumir Abdixhiku 13.23 15 −5
AAK Ramush Haradinaj 5.50 6 −2
Minority seats
Serb List Zlatan Elek 4.48 9 0
KDTP Fikrim Damka 0.57 2 0
ZSPO Nenad Rašić 0.51 1 0
Vakat Rasim Demiri 0.42 1 0
NDS Emilija Redžepi 0.41 1 0
IRDK Elbert Krasniqi 0.29 1 0
SDU Duda Balje 0.27 1 0
PLE Veton Berisha 0.24 1 0
PSA Artan Asllani 0.22 1 New
JGP Adem Hodža 0.16 1 0
LPRK Erxhan Galushi 0.12 1 +1
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
Results by municipality
Prime Minister before Prime Minister after
Albin Kurti
LVV		 TBD

Parliamentary elections were held in Kosovo on 28 December 2025 to elect the 120 members of the Assembly. In the previous election in February 2025, no party had won a majority of seats, resulting in a hung parliament with Vetëvendosje, party of Prime Minister Albin Kurti, remaining the largest party.[1][2]

The result was seen as a victory for Vetëvendosje, which gained nine seats, winning 57 in total, just four short of an outright majority. All other Albanian parties lost seats.

Background

[edit]
See also: February 2025 Kosovan parliamentary election and 2025 Kosovo Assembly deadlock

The February elections saw Vetëvendosje (LVV) winning 48 seats, short of the 61 needed for a majority. Following the election, both PDK and AAK indicated that they would not form a government with LVV.[3][4] The LDK later announced that it would not support joining a coalition with LVV, instead proposing a transitional government composing all ethnic Albanian parties,[5] though LVV rejected this.[6] As a result, the party was required to seek the support of other minority parties if it wished to form a coalition.[3]

The political crisis in Kosovo began on 15 April, when the country's political parties failed to elect the Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, a deadlock that lasted until Dimal Basha was elected speaker on August 26.[7] From 26 August to 10 October, Kosovo entered another institutional crisis, this time related to the election of the Serbian Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.[8] This crisis was resolved when Nenad Rašić was elected in the position on 10 October, and the Assembly was declared constituted.[9] A first attempt to form a Vetëvendosje government under Albin Kurti was rejected on 26 October.[10] Glauk Konjufca was nominated for prime minister in a second attempt to form a Vetëvendosje government but a parliamentary majority was not secured in a vote on 19 November, resulting in the dissolution of the Assembly the next day.[11]

Following the dissolution of the Assembly on 20 November, President Vjosa Osmani set 28 December 2025 as the date for the election.[12][13]

Electoral system

[edit]

The 120 members of the Assembly are elected by open list proportional representation for a four-year term, with 20 reserved for national minorities.[14][15] Seats were allocated using the D'Hondt method with an electoral threshold of 5%.[16] For overseas voters there were 66 polling stations located in 36 countries around the world.[17]

Parties and coalitions

[edit]

The application period for political parties seeking certification and submission of candidate lists for the 2025 elections spanned from 24 November to 7 December 2025.[18] A total of 24 political entities submitted applications, including 18 political parties, three coalitions, two civil initiatives, and one independent candidate, with 1,180 candidates nominated.[19]

General parties and coalitions (100 seats)
No. Party or coalition Candidate for prime minister Motto
113 Albanian Democratic National Front Party (PBKDSH) Alban Hoti Për familje e atdhe
For family and homeland
114 Fjala Gëzim Kelmendi Të vendosur
Determined
116 Coalition Lëvizja Vetëvendosje
Vetëvendosje (VV), Guxo, Alternativa and PSHDK 		Albin Kurti Mos lësho pe
Don't give in
122 Social Democratic Initiative (NISMA) Fatmir Limaj Me Fatmir Limaj
With Fatmir Limaj
123 Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK)
AKR, PD (candidates run inside LDK list) 		Lumir Abdixhiku Zgjedh shpresën
Choose Hope
129 Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj Krahë teje
By your side
130 Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Bedri Hamza Bashkë përpara
Forward together
Serbian parties and coalitions (10 seats)
No. Party or coalition List carrier
121 Kosovski Savez (KS) Goran Marinković
127 Serb List (SL) Zlatan Elek
134 For Freedom, Justice and Survival (SPO) Nenad Rašić
Other minority parties and coalitions (10 seats)
Minority Party or coalition List carrier
Ashkali, Egyptian and Romani (4 seats) New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo (IRDK) Elbert Krasniqi
United Roma Party of Kosovo (PREBK) Aljbert Kinoli
Egyptian Liberal Party (PLE) Veton Berisha
Ashkali Party for Integration (PAI) Etem Arifi
Ashkali Social Democratic Party (PSA) Artan Asllani
Bosniak (3 seats) New Democratic Party (NDS) Emilija Redžepi
Vakat Coalition Bahrim Šabani
Social Democratic Union (SDU) Duda Balje
Turk (2 seats) Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo (KDTP) Fikrim Damka
Gorani (1 seat) Unique Gorani Party (JGP) Adem Hodža

Campaign

[edit]

Election campaigns in Kosovo are regulated to start 30 days before the scheduled election date and must conclude on the day before the election.[20]

The early days of the campaign saw protests in late November from public and private transport companies in Pristina over financial strains and unpaid salaries that were caused by government failures to approve budgets for both 2025 and 2026.[21] On 30 November, Vetëvendosje formally established the Vetëvendosje Movement Coalition with Guxo, Alternativa, and PSHDK.[22] On 3 December, the Central Election Commission (CEC) rejected the Serb List in running in the December elections.[23] However, the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) overturned the CEC decision on 8 December, allowing the Serb List to run.[24] Amid campaigning in early December, Serb mayors were sworn into office on 5 December in four Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, replacing the Albanian mayors that had served in office since 2023.[25] The inauguration of the Serb mayors resulted in Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, announcing on 18 December the lifting of sanctions from Kosovo that first began on June 2023 and the releasing of financial assistance in early 2026.[26] Debates over the issues of justice reform, security, energy policy, and governance were held by Kallxo between 17 December and 22 December.[27] On 24 December, four days before the election, Kurti announced that 100 euros will be allocated to children and pensioners at the end of the year, sparking accusations of vote buying.[28]

Opinion polls

[edit]

Party polling

[edit]
Pollster Date LVV PDK LDK AAK NISMA SL Other Abstention Lead
UBO Consulting[29] 28 December 2025 45.7 22.0 15.6 5.3 1.7 – 9.7 – 23.7
PIPOS[30] 28 December 2025 44.1 23.9 16.1 5.8 1.1 – 9.0 – 20.2
Albanian Post[31] 28 December 2025 43.5 23.6 15.9 7.2 – – 9.8 – 19.9
UBO Consulting[32] June 2025 37.3 20.6 16.8 4.6 2.1 3.8 4.3 2.3 17.3
UBO Consulting[32] March 2025 40.8 20.9 15.7 3.8 0.5 3.0 3.5 6.0 19.9
February 2025 Election 9 February 2025 42.3 21.0 18.3 7.1 4.3 7.2 – 21.4

Seat projections

[edit]
Date LVV PDK LDK AAK NISMA SL Other Lead
June 2025 50 28 22 0 0 10 10 22
March 2025 53 27 20 0 0 10 10 26
9 February 2025 48 24 20 8 9 11 24

Results

[edit]

Albin Kurti's Vetëvendosje party received 51% of the vote, translating to 57 seats. While short of the 61 seats needed for a government, Vetëvendosje may potentially gather support from non-Serb minority representatives to reach a majority as it did after the 2021 elections. The Democratic Party of Kosovo came second with 20%, maintaining a similar level of support from the last election. The Democratic League of Kosovo came in third with 13%, dropping in support from 18% earlier this year.[33][34] Turnout was estimated at 45%.[35] With the fourth successive victory for Vetëvendosje in parliamentary elections, Kurti is expected to be sworn in for a third term in office.[36]

PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Vetëvendosje487,01151.1157+9
Democratic Party of Kosovo192,40620.1922–2
Democratic League of Kosovo126,10413.2315–5
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo52,3785.506+1
Serb List42,7364.4890
Social Democratic Initiative15,1861.590–3
Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo5,4110.5720
For Freedom, Justice and Survival4,8470.5110
Vakat Coalition3,9780.4210
New Democratic Party3,9200.4110
New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo2,7610.2910
Social Democratic Union2,6120.2710
Egyptian Liberal Party2,2510.2410
Ashkali Social Democratic Party2,0510.221New
PAI–PDAK–LpB1,9940.210–1
Unique Gorani Party1,5480.1610
Progressive Movement of Kosovar Roma1,1630.121New
Albanian Democratic National Front Party9320.1000
United Roma Party of Kosovo9200.100–1
Fjala9000.0900
Citizens' Initiative for Kosovo7820.080New
Kosovski Savez5350.060New
Kosovar New Romani Party2290.0200
Independent2690.0300
Total952,924100.001200
Registered voters/turnout1,999,204–
Source: KQZ[37]

By municipality or voting provision

[edit]
Municipality LVV PDK LDK AAK SL Others
Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %
Deçan 5,746 32.48 733 4.14 2,825 15.97 8,180 46.23 1 0.01 208 1.17
Gjakova 24,636 54.64 4,204 9.32 4,454 9.88 10,085 22.37 2 0.00 1,712 3.79
Drenas 5,947 22.91 18,057 69.57 662 2.55 352 1.36 0 0.00 938 3.61
Gjilan 32,719 63.55 7,562 14.69 8,200 15.93 1,044 2.03 1,104 2.14 858 1.66
Dragash 5,256 39.17 2,321 17.30 2,550 19.00 98 0.73 64 0.48 3,120 23.32
Istog 9,846 46.45 2,138 10.09 5,889 27.78 2,022 9.54 212 1.00 1,088 5.14
Kaçanik 11,226 62.09 5,220 28.87 1,137 6.29 299 1.65 0 0.00 199 1.10
Klina 7,277 37.59 5,046 26.07 2,420 12.50 3,942 20.36 140 0.72 532 2.76
Kosovo Polje 14,179 55.24 5,113 19.92 3,516 13.70 519 2.02 312 1.22 2,005 7.90
Kamenica 10,187 63.07 2,327 14.41 1,665 10.31 732 4.53 814 5.04 427 2.66
Mitrovica 25,265 66.45 9,884 26.00 1,735 4.56 307 0.81 8 0.02 821 2.16
Leposavić 127 1.85 29 0.42 14 0.20 7 0.10 5,958 86.60 745 10.83
Lipjan 15,101 48.79 7,921 25.59 6,131 19.81 425 1.37 307 0.99 1,063 3.44
Novo Brdo 1,219 23.03 337 6.37 296 5.59 93 1.76 3,181 60.09 168 3.17
Obiliq 7,121 57.18 1,661 13.34 1,818 14.60 155 1.24 1,251 10.05 447 3.59
Rahovec 13,460 53.55 4,879 19.41 2,993 11.91 2,952 11.74 292 1.16 561 2.23
Peja 21,327 48.27 4,543 10.28 9,575 21.67 5,988 13.55 392 0.89 2,355 5.33
Podujeva 26,023 61.22 6,015 14.15 9,003 21.18 775 1.82 4 0.01 688 1.62
Pristina 60,696 52.94 21,984 19.17 25,196 21.98 4,193 3.66 238 0.21 2,347 2.04
Prizren 36,414 51.07 15,546 21.80 6,224 8.73 2,087 2.93 39 0.05 10,998 15.42
Skenderaj 3,523 16.38 16,683 77.57 546 2.54 207 0.96 107 0.50 984 2.04
Shtime 7,894 55.12 4,317 30.14 1,527 10.66 115 0.80 0 0.00 423 3.27
Štrpce 982 15.63 481 7.66 162 2.58 21 0.33 4,232 67.36 405 6.45
Suva Reka 15,723 49.08 6,006 18.75 6,488 20.25 2,702 8.44 0 0.00 1,114 3.48
Ferizaj 34,927 60.19 14,106 24.31 5,425 9.35 1,334 2.30 6 0.00 2,233 3.85
Viti 13,489 61.77 3,608 16.52 283 1.30 50 0.23 283 1.30 285 1.30
Vushtrri 21,633 61.26 8,698 24.63 2,848 8.07 401 1.14 850 2.41 881 2.49
Zubin Potok 248 6.93 135 3.77 71 1.98 18 0.50 2,953 82.51 154 4.31
Zvečan 153 4.12 65 1.75 17 0.46 4 0.11 3,327 89.60 147 3.96
Malisheva 9,862 37.38 4,787 18.15 2,581 9.78 716 2.71 1 0.00 8,434 31.97
Junik 779 36.08 147 6.81 514 23.81 692 32.05 0 0.00 27 1.25
Mamusha 561 19.49 174 6.05 17 0.59 136 4.73 0 0.00 1,990 69.14
Hani i Elezit 2,442 62.38 1,077 27.51 231 5.90 103 2.63 0 0.00 62 1.58
Gračanica 1,151 11.05 772 7.41 387 3.71 179 1.72 6,564 63.01 183 1.76
Ranilug 32 1.25 9 0.35 8 0.31 1 0.04 2,176 84.80 40 1.56
Parteš 11 0.57 1 0.05 5 0.26 0 0.00 1,707 89.05 193 10.08
Klokot 585 28.45 169 8.22 147 7.15 33 1.61 914 44.46 208 10.03
North Mitrovica 1,059 14.97 250 3.53 51 0.72 40 0.57 5,222 73.82 452 6.39
Embassy & Consulate Votes 13,899 86.74 973 6.07 762 4.76 255 1.59 0 0 134 0.83
Postal voting 30,611 72.62 3,854 9.14 4,331 10.27 1,657 3.93 4 0.01 1,696 4.01
Conditional voting 5,035 50.98 1,951 19.75 1,066 10.79 581 5.88 533 5.40 710 7.18
Persons with Special Needs Votes 622 36.96 440 26.14 207 12.30 120 7.13 181 10.75 113 6.73
Total 484,049 51.01 192,002 20.24 125,882 13.26 52,226 5.50 42,733 4.50 52,027 5.49

Aftermath

[edit]

Albin Kurti, leader of Vetëvendosje, promised to constitute the Assembly and immediately form a new government once the results were certified. He called the opposition to support motions for international loan deals, which require a two-thirds majority to pass.[38]

President Vjosa Osmani said that elected lawmakers should move swiftly to form a government and agree upon international agreements in the afternoon once results were certified. She warned that not forming institutions immediately would result in the blocking of nearly 1 billion euros in international funding, including growth funds from the EU and World Bank-backed agreements.[39]

Bedri Hamza, the prime ministerial candidate for the PDK, expressed hope for a quick formation of institutions and support of initiatives that support the interests of Kosovo. Lumir Abdixhiku, a candidate from the LDK, also similarly stressed the country's need for functional democratic institutions.[33]

On 29 December 2025, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos published a statement on the election calling on the incoming Assembly to ratify the Growth Plan-related agreements and for the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. It also said it would release additional grants for Kosovo in 2026.[40]

On 14 January 2026, the Central Election Commission (CEC) adopted a decision to recount 10% of polling stations in 28 municipalities and to conduct a full recount in 10 municipalities, following suspicions of manipulation of votes cast for candidates from various political parties.[41] On 19 January, following the identification of significant discrepancies between the votes counted at the Municipal Counting Centers and those recounted at the Counting and Results Center, a decision was made to recount all ballot boxes in all municipalities, as the observed differences were substantial.[42]

On 23 January, authorities announced the detention of 109 people on suspicion of falsifying election results and exerting pressure, threats and bribery, of which 68,017 ballots in Prizren alone were believed to have been affected.[43]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Running with PSHDK, Guxo, and Alternativa.
  2. ^ In the February 2025 elections, Memli Krasniqi led the PDK, while Bedri Hamza was its prime-ministerial candidate. In the December 2025 elections, Bedri Hamza held both roles.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Osmani cakton datën 28 dhjetor për zgjedhjet e jashtëzakonshme". Indeksonline. 20 November 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  2. ^ "Kosovo president sets December 28 as date for snap vote". Reuters. 20 November 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Kosovo's top court asks lawmakers to end their political stalemate and elect a speaker in 30 days". ABC News. Archived from the original on 27 June 2025. Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  4. ^ "Kosovar Parties Shut Out PM Kurti, Refuse Coalition After His Election Victory". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  5. ^ "Kosovo Faces Deepening Political Crisis After 21 Failed Attempts To Elect Speaker". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 26 May 2025. Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  6. ^ "Politischer Egoismus führt zu Stillstand in Kosovo – DW – 09.05.2025". dw.com (in German). Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  7. ^ "Parliament unblocked: Dimal Basha of VV elected Speaker". Gazeta Express. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  8. ^ "Kosova me kryetar të ri kuvendi, kriza vijon, nuk ka kompromis për nënkryetarin nga radhët serbe" [Kosovo with a new parliament speaker, the crisis continues, there is no compromise for the deputy speaker from the Serbian part]. A2 CNN (in Albanian). 26 August 2025.
  9. ^ Bami, Xhorxhina (10 October 2025). "Kosovo's Parliament Ends Deadlock, But Solution Is Swiftly Disputed". Prishtina Insight. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  10. ^ Krasniqi, Mehmet (24 November 2025). "Kosovo calls early elections to break political stalemate". Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  11. ^ Cimili, Zana (19 November 2025). "Kosovo heading for an early vote after lawmakers fail to elect government". AP. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  12. ^ "Osmani cakton datën 28 dhjetor për zgjedhjet e jashtëzakonshme". Indeksonline. 20 November 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  13. ^ "Kosovo president sets December 28 as date for snap vote". Reuters. 20 November 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  14. ^ "Article 64". Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo (With Amendments I-XXVI) (PDF). Pristina: Government of Kosovo. September 2020. p. 20. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  15. ^ "Country Profile: Kosovo". IFES Election Guide.
  16. ^ Law No. 08/L-228 on General Elections in the Republic of Kosovo, Article 111.3
  17. ^ "Lista e Qendrave të Votimit për votim jashtë Kosovës dhe numri maksimal i votuesve në secilën prej tyre". KQZ-Kosova. 27 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
  18. ^ "Fillojnë afatet për aplikim online të subjekteve politike për certifikim (24 – 30 nëntor) dhe dorëzimin e listës së kandidatëve (24 nëntor – 7 dhjetor) për zgjedhjet e parakohshme për Kuvendin e Kosovës". KQZ (in Albanian). Pristina: Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve (KQZ). 24 November 2025. Archived from the original on 31 December 2025. Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  19. ^ "Subjektet politike dhe lista e kandidatëve të certifikuar për pjesëmarrje në zgjedhjet e parakohshme për Kuvendin e Kosovës, 28 dhjetor 2025". KQZ (in Albanian). Pristina: Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve (KQZ). 25 December 2025. Archived from the original on 31 December 2025. Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  20. ^ "Article 2". Election Regulation No. 07/2024–Electoral Campaign, Monitoring of the Election Campaign and Financial Declaration (PDF). Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve (KQZ). 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 December 2024. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  21. ^ Zeqiri, Ardita (26 November 2025). "Budget Deadlock Paralyses Public Transport in Prishtina". Prishtina Insight. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  22. ^ "Kosovo's Vetëvendosje forms broad coalition for December snap election". bne IntelliNews. 1 December 2025. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  23. ^ "CEC does not certify Serb List for December elections". European Western Balkans. 3 December 2025. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  24. ^ "After appeal, Serb list certified to run in elections". European Western Balkans. 8 December 2025. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  25. ^ "Ethnic Serb mayors take office in tense northern Kosovo". AP. 5 December 2025. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  26. ^ "EU to lift sanctions on Kosovo and release financial aid, von der Leyen says". Reuters. 18 December 2025. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  27. ^ Zeqiri, Ardita (26 December 2025). "Snap Elections: Political Parties Present their Visions for Kosovo at Kallxo-Run Debates". Prishtina Insight. Retrieved 29 December 2025.
  28. ^ "Kurti accused of buying votes with 100 euros for children and pensioners". KOHA. 25 December 2025. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  29. ^ "RTV Dukagjini | Exit Poll UBO CONSULTING (in Albanian)".
  30. ^ "Klan Kosova | Exit Poll | PIPOS (in Albanian)".
  31. ^ "AlbanianPost | ExitPoll (in Albanian)".
  32. ^ a b "Sondazhi i UBO Consulting në Debat Plus: VV-ja e para, PDK e dyta, LDK e treta". Dukagjini.
  33. ^ a b Zeqiri, Ardita (30 December 2025). "Vetëvendosje's Win Opens Way for Rapid Govt Formation in Kosovo". Prishtina Insight. Archived from the original on 31 December 2025. Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  34. ^ Cimili, Zana (28 December 2025). "Preliminary results show Prime Minister Kurti's party won Kosovo snap vote convincingly". AP. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  35. ^ Dimitrievska, Valentina (28 December 2025). "Vetevendosje leads Kosovo snap election with over 50% of the vote". bne Intellinews. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  36. ^ Delauney, Guy (28 December 2025). "Kosovo's ruling party wins election after months of political deadlock". BBC News. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  37. ^ https://resultsparliamentary2025.kqz-ks.org/total-results
  38. ^ Bytyci, Fatos (29 December 2025). "Kosovo's Kurti promises swift formation of new government after election win". Reuters. Archived from the original on 29 December 2025. Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  39. ^ Baliu, Doruntina (30 December 2025). "Kosovo's President Says She Expects New Government To Be Formed Quickly". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Archived from the original on 31 December 2025. Retrieved 31 December 2025.
  40. ^ Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Kos on Kosovo parliamentary elections (author: ENEST (Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood)
  41. ^ "Rinumërimi i votave: Dalin rezultatet e para, prin VV-ja". Gazeta Blic. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  42. ^ "RKQZ vendos për rinumërim të plotë të votave në 28 komuna". Kallxo. 19 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  43. ^ "Kosovo authorities arrest over 100 people over alleged ballot manipulation in December vote komuna". AP News. 25 January 2026. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
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