In the upcoming local elections in Kosovo, the competition for mayor is intensifying across municipalities. While Pristina will see a crowded field of ten candidates, the same number of contenders is running in North Mitrovica, Kosovo’s smallest municipality by territory — turning it into one of the most competitive races.
- Zubin Potok and Peja each have nine candidates.
- Kaçanik, Drenas, and Leposavić will feature seven candidates each.
- Obiliq has six candidates in the race.
- In contrast, Ferizaj — one of Kosovo’s largest municipalities — has only four candidates, the same as Mitrovica (South).
🔹 Why the difference?
Analyst Shemsi Jashari argues that major municipalities attract fewer candidates due to the fear of losing and damaging political reputation. A loss in a large city, he says, “would be too deep and would severely damage the political and party image of the candidate.”
Meanwhile, analyst Basri Muja interprets the large number of candidates differently: as a strategy to create positive energy and synergy for party lists, even if most contenders know their chances of winning are slim.
The race includes political party candidates, independents, and civic initiatives. One of the key alliances already announced is the coalition between PDK (Democratic Party of Kosovo) and AKR (Alliance for a New Kosovo).
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has also opened registration for persons with special needs to vote, with applications accepted until October 7.
