Kosovo votes in snap election in bid to end a year of political deadlock

"The snap parliamentary vote was called after Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Self-Determination Movement (LVV) party failed to form a government despite winning the most votes at a February 9 ballot. Failure to form a government and reopen parliament would prolong the crisis at a critical time. Lawmakers must elect a new president in April and ratify 1 billion euros ($1.2bn) in loan agreements from the European Union and World Bank that expire in the coming months."

"Despite international support, the country of 1.6 million has struggled with poverty, instability and organised crime. Kurti's tenure, which began in 2021, was the first time a Pristina government completed a full term. To woo voters, Kurti has pledged an additional month of salary per year for public sector workers, 1 billion euros per year in capital investment and a new prosecution unit to fight organised crime."

"The Balkan nation votes again as PM Albin Kurti seeks majority to break the stalemate and form a government. Kosovo is voting to elect a new parliament for the second time in 11 months, as nationalist Prime Minister Albin Kurti's party seeks a majority to end a yearlong political deadlock. Polls opened at 7am local time (06:00 GMT) and will close at 7pm (18:00 GMT) on Sunday, with exit polls expected soon after voting ends."

Kosovo holds a snap parliamentary vote after Prime Minister Albin Kurti's party failed to form a coalition, with Kurti seeking a majority to end a yearlong political deadlock. Lawmakers must elect a new president in April and ratify €1 billion in EU and World Bank loan agreements that expire soon. Opposition parties refuse to govern with Kurti over his handling of the ethnically divided north. The country faces poverty, organised crime and widespread voter disillusionment. Kurti has pledged an extra month of salary for public workers, large annual capital investment and a new prosecution unit; opposition parties have promised to improve living standards.

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