Kosovo’s political parties have officially concluded their 30-day campaigns ahead of Sunday’s parliamentary elections. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) held their final rallies in Prishtina’s main squares, while the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) wrapped up its campaign in Peja. Meanwhile, the ruling Vetëvendosje (VV) party concluded its campaign a day earlier, on February 7, in the capital.
Throughout the campaign, political parties presented their governance plans while also engaging in mutual accusations and heated rhetoric. Hate speech, irony, and offensive language between ruling and opposition leaders led to financial penalties imposed by the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (PZAP).
The Democracy in Action (DnV) NGO coalition observed that while the campaign environment remained generally calm, the political discourse was extremely aggressive, both in public gatherings and online. Notable incidents included:
- The throwing of hard objects and fireworks at a rally in Skenderaj.
- The burning of campaign materials.
- Disruptions of election activities in Serb-majority areas, including in Graçanicë.
- A Molotov cocktail attack on a Central Election Commission (KQZ) vehicle.
- Several other security incidents in northern Kosovo.
These events heightened tensions and raised concerns about freedom of assembly during the campaign, according to DnV’s report. Additionally, the campaign was marked by significant instances of hate speech and discriminatory rhetoric.
Unlike previous elections, Kosovo’s new election law eliminates the 24-hour silence period before voting day. Instead, election silence will begin at 7:00 AM on February 9, when polling stations open, and last until they close at 7:00 PM.
Kosovo’s 1,970,944 registered voters will head to 903 polling centers with a total of 2,533 voting stations to elect a new parliament and government. This marks Kosovo’s first regular parliamentary election since declaring independence on February 17, 2008.
