The final stage of Kosovo’s local elections concluded on Sunday with runoff voting held in 18 municipalities, including Prishtina, Prizren, Peja, Gjakova, and Mitrovica South. The process unfolded peacefully, with no major incidents, though there were reports of minor delays, ballot photography, and assistance-voting irregularities.
Approximately 32.5% of eligible voters cast their ballots in the second round — slightly below the 40% turnout recorded in the first round.
Power Shifts and Party Breakdown
The runoff redrew the political map of Kosovo’s local governance. Power changed hands in three municipalities — Mitrovica South, Fushë-Kosovë, and Obiliq — all won by Vetëvendosje (LVV).
- Faton Peci triumphed in Mitrovica South
- Valon Prebreza in Fushë-Kosovë
- Halil Thaçi in Obiliq
Meanwhile, PDK retained Kaçanik, now led by Sabedin Vishi, replacing Besim Ilazi.
After the second round, LVV and LDK each govern seven municipalities.
- LVV won in Mitrovica South, Gjilan, Obiliq, and Fushë-Kosovë, having already secured Podujeva, Shtime, and Kamenica in the first round.
- LDK captured Prishtina, Peja, Dragash, Junik, and Viti, adding to earlier victories in Istog and Lipjan.
Leaders React
Prime Minister Albin Kurti called the result “an unprecedented success”, noting that “all other parties were united against LVV candidates.” He joined celebrations in Fushë-Kosovë, Obiliq, and Mitrovica.
In Prishtina, LDK’s Përparim Rama defeated Vetëvendosje’s Hajrulla Çeku. Declaring victory, Rama said:
“Prishtina has shown it wants development, not obstruction. Together, we’re turning Prishtina into a modern metropolis.”
Çeku congratulated Rama, wishing that the capital “finally emerges from the chaos it has been dragged into,” and pledged that LVV will serve responsibly in the municipal opposition.
PDK, led by Memli Krasniqi, celebrated victory in Prizren, Kaçanik, and Vushtrri, alongside earlier wins in Skenderaj, Ferizaj, and Hani i Elezit.
In Prizren, Shaqir Totaj declared:
“This victory belongs to the citizens — they knew how to vote and value progress.”
AAK will govern five municipalities, including Gjakova, Suhareka, Rahovec, Klinë, and Deçan. In Gjakova, Ardian Gjini secured 58% of the vote, while Smajl Latifi in Rahovec celebrated with supporters, promising transparency, equality, and accountability.
Serb List (Lista Srpska), as expected, retained dominance in the Serb-majority areas, now governing 10 municipalities, including Kllokot, where it ran unopposed.
Election Incidents and Irregularities
While the day remained calm, Kosovo’s Prosecution Service detained three individuals for alleged election-related offenses, including bribery and violation of ballot secrecy in Fushë-Kosovë and Klinë.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) confirmed that assisted voting for persons with disabilities is legally guaranteed, though documentation must prove disability to prevent abuse.
AAK and Vetëvendosje filed separate complaints in Junik, alleging non-resident voting and vote manipulation. Police also intervened in a minor verbal altercation in Prizren, unrelated to the vote itself.
Political Tensions
An incident between Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla (LVV) and an LDK activist drew attention after Sveçla allegedly photographed the activist for wearing party symbols during the electoral silence period.
LDK condemned Sveçla’s behavior, calling it “a clear sign of panic and loss of political control.”
Calls for Calm and Democratic Conduct
President Vjosa Osmani praised the peaceful and democratic nature of the vote, calling it “crucial for Kosovo’s future and proof of its strong electoral democracy.”
She emphasized that local and national elections are separate processes, rejecting speculation about their direct influence on each other.
Albin Kurti highlighted the importance of municipal governance for citizens’ quality of life, while LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku hinted that focus now shifts toward national elections, possibly by the end of December.
“From Monday onward, our focus will be on national elections,” Abdixhiku said. “We expect Kosovo’s next democratic decision by late December.”
Election Summary by Population
- LDK governs municipalities totaling 463,963 residents
- PDK: 440,736 residents
- LVV: 349,410 residents
- AAK: 219,512 residents
- Serb List: 66,163 residents (10 municipalities)
