Former President of Kosovo and presidential candidate Vjosa Osmani cast her vote on Sunday at the “Shkëndija” School in Hajvali, accompanied by her husband, Prindon Sadriu.
After voting, Osmani called on citizens to participate in the electoral process in large numbers, emphasizing the importance of these elections for the country’s future and the establishment of new institutions.
“I wish all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo a smooth electoral process, one that contributes to democracy in our country and helps facilitate the formation of institutions as soon as possible, so that Kosovo can emerge from the successive crises it has faced,” Osmani stated.
She stressed that the formation of new institutions is in the best interest of citizens and will strengthen the country both domestically and internationally.
“This is in the interest of our country and our citizens, and it will strengthen Kosovo both internally and beyond its borders. I sincerely hope that as many citizens as possible exercise their democratic right so that their voice can be heard in this important and vital process for our country,” she said.
Osmani also expressed gratitude to the institutions and media organizations engaged throughout election day.
“I would like to thank all institutions that will be working in the field throughout the day, from security institutions to justice authorities. Naturally, I also thank the media, who will be reporting on the electoral process and results throughout the day,” she added.
The former president also thanked citizens for their participation in Kosovo’s democratic processes.
“I want to thank all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo who have taken part in this process, contributing to and enriching our democracy. I hope that even more citizens will exercise their right to vote today,” Osmani said.
When asked whether these elections could help overcome the ongoing institutional deadlock, she expressed confidence that the citizens’ vote would pave the way for the swift formation of new institutions.
“I am convinced that today’s vote will open the path toward the rapid establishment of institutions and help us overcome the successive crises that have harmed our country, both internally and internationally,” she stated.
In closing, Osmani voiced optimism that election day would mark a positive turning point for Kosovo.
“I am highly optimistic that the citizens’ vote today will help lead the country out of crisis. I hope today will be Kosovo’s day—a day when Kosovo wins and a day when Kosovo celebrates,” Osmani concluded.
Meanwhile, citizens across Kosovo are voting in early parliamentary elections, which were triggered after the Assembly failed to elect a president within the constitutional deadline. This marks the third parliamentary election in less than a year and a half.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) completed the distribution of election materials to all municipalities on Saturday under heightened security measures. Election materials were transported from the logistics center in Fushë Kosovë to all 38 municipalities.
CEC spokesperson Valmir Elezi confirmed that ballot papers and other sensitive election materials, including final voter lists and official stamps, were successfully distributed.
A total of 1,778,300 ballot papers have been printed for the elections, including 1,605,000 for regular voting, 19,450 for conditional voting, 13,500 reserve ballots, and 3,500 ballots designated for persons with special needs.
Across Kosovo, 949 polling centers with a total of 2,550 polling stations are open, allowing citizens to elect their new representatives to the Assembly of Kosovo.
