Polls have opened across Kosovo as the country holds legislative elections seen as a crucial test for incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

The vote comes at a time of economic hardship and renewed tensions between ethnic Albanians and Serbs.

This marks the first time since Kosovo’s independence in 2008 that its parliament has completed a full four-year mandate, making the election particularly significant.

Kosovo’s 1.6 million eligible voters will elect 120 lawmakers from 26 political groupings and one independent candidate.

Kurti’s left-wing Vetevendosje! (Self-Determination) Movement Party is currently leading in opinion polls but is not expected to secure a parliamentary majority, raising the possibility of coalition negotiations. If Kurti fails to form a cabinet, the other two major parties could join forces to take power.

The key rivals in the Kosovo election are the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), which has been notably impacted by its former leaders facing war crimes charges at The Hague, and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the country's oldest political party that has experienced a decline in support since the passing of its leader, Ibrahim Rugova, in 2006.

During the campaign, parties pledged to raise public salaries and pensions, improve education and healthcare, and combat poverty—but provided little detail on funding sources or plans to boost foreign investment.

The election will also determine who will lead Kosovo in stalled EU-facilitated normalisation talks with Serbia, a crucial step toward potential EU membership.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia does not recognize its sovereignty. Relations between the two nations remain strained, particularly after Kurti’s controversial policies last year, such as banning the Serbian dinar and restricting financial transfers from Serbia to Kosovo citizens who rely on social services.

With political tensions high and economic uncertainty looming, the outcome of this election will shape Kosovo’s domestic and international trajectory. Kurti has urged voters to support his movement, stating, "On 9 February, we vote for the future. We vote for Vetevendosje!"

Meanwhile, his rivals have put forward their own visions for Kosovo. Bedri Hamza (PDK) vowed, "We have a plan for each city, each family, each person," while Lumir Abdixhiku (LDK) promised, "We have an alternative to guarantee a better life in Kosovo."

With coalition talks likely to follow, Kosovo’s political landscape could see significant shifts in the coming days. (ILKHA)