Kosovars are heading to the polls today to elect a new government for the next four years in the first regular parliamentary elections since the country declared independence in 2008.
Polling stations opened at 7 AM without issues and will close at 7 PM. Over 2 million voters, including 100,000 first-time voters, are eligible to cast their ballots.
On Saturday evening, members of the diaspora voted in Kosovo’s diplomatic missions. According to election officials, 14,463 out of 20,324 registered overseas voters have already taken part, though figures for the US and Canada are yet to be included.
A total of 28 political entities are competing for seats in the 120-member parliament, including 20 political parties, five coalitions, two civic lists, and one independent candidate. Voters can select one party and up to ten individual candidates for MPs.
The race for prime minister is led by Albin Kurti of Vetëvendosje, Bedri Hamza of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku of the Democratic League of Kosovo, and Ramush Haradinaj of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo.
Over 100 international observers are monitoring the election, while security is being ensured by Kosovo’s police and more than 200 Italian KFOR troops.
