Leaders of Kosovo’s political parties have commented on the preliminary election results announced by the Central Election Commission (CEC), which showed Vetëvendosje (VV) as the leading party, followed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK).
Kurti Declares Victory and Signals Cooperation
Vetëvendosje leader Albin Kurti addressed supporters in Skanderbeg Square, where he proclaimed victory in Sunday’s elections.
Kurti also signaled openness to cooperation with other political parties, stating that discussions would take place in the coming weeks.
“In the coming weeks, we will communicate and cooperate with all political entities,” Kurti said.
Regarding the issue of the presidency, Kurti argued that Kosovo already has a president, referring to Acting President Albulena Haxhiu.
“Kosovo has a President; it has the Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu. What the state lacks is neither a government nor a presidency. What the Republic of Kosovo lacks is a functioning Assembly. Unfortunately, the opposition bloc is not doing its job,” he stated.
Kurti also described himself as the country’s prime minister, saying that at times he serves as acting prime minister and at other times as prime minister in office.
He emphasized that this marks Vetëvendosje’s fifth parliamentary election victory in less than seven years.
“This is yet another confirmation that this decade belongs to the governance of the Vetëvendosje Movement. It has been proven that everyone competes, the majority votes, and we win,” Kurti declared.
“I am forever grateful for all the dedication, work, and effort you have invested so that Vetëvendosje can continue governing successfully.”
Hamza Calls for Protection of Every Vote
Bedri Hamza, leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), praised citizens for demonstrating democratic maturity and responsibility throughout the electoral process.
“Citizens once again showed civic responsibility, accountability, and democratic culture. Through a peaceful and dignified process, they demonstrated their belief in the power of the vote and in their right to decide the future of our country.”
Hamza stressed that every vote must now be counted carefully and that the will of the electorate must be fully respected.
“Democracy does not end when a ballot is cast; it continues through the protection and respect of every vote. Let us ensure together that every citizen’s vote is preserved and protected until the very end.”
Abdixhiku Highlights LDK’s Growth
LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku said the election results reflected Kosovo’s democratic maturity and highlighted his party’s significant gains.
“Today, Kosovo spoke clearly, and the Republic of Kosovo demonstrated democratic maturity.”
According to Abdixhiku, LDK recorded the largest increase achieved by any political party in these elections.
“We have grown from 13% to 18%, securing 20 parliamentary seats. This growth represents support for the vision we have begun. With 20 seats, LDK is stabilized and has a strong future ahead.”
He described the result as a responsibility to continue advancing the party’s vision of unity.
“We have only just begun,” Abdixhiku said.
He also noted that LDK had faced what he described as the full weight of the governing apparatus during the campaign.
Abdixhiku further argued that Vetëvendosje’s loss of approximately 200,000 votes is a signal that should not be ignored.
Gjini Criticizes Electoral Conditions
Ardian Gjini, chairman of AAK, thanked the party’s supporters and said citizens had demonstrated their commitment to Kosovo despite what he described as an uneven political playing field.
“We will work hard to ensure that their votes and their will are respected.”
Gjini claimed that all possible means had been used to tilt the election in favor of the ruling party.
“Although this election campaign was conducted on an unfair political terrain, where every possible tool was used to shift the result in favor of those in power, citizens still showed that they understand the situation and that they love their country.”
He expressed confidence that the values represented by AAK would eventually prevail.
“What we represent will undoubtedly win one day. Starting tomorrow, we will see what the final results look like. We respect the growth we achieved in these elections.”
