Kosovo’s local elections ended without an outright winner, with all major political parties celebrating partial gains and acknowledging setbacks, analysts said on Monday.
According to preliminary results from the Central Election Commission, mayoral candidates were elected outright in 21 municipalities, while 17 others will head to runoff votes next month. Voter turnout stood below 40 percent — the lowest in a local election since 2021.
Analyst Artan Muhaxhiri said the outcome reflected a fragmented political landscape. “Each party scored both victories and defeats,” he told Radio Free Europe. “Voters clearly punished improvisation and weak local governance, but there were no absolute winners.”
The ruling Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) Movement secured first-round victories in three municipalities — Podujeva, Kamenica, and Shtime — the same number as the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), which won in Ferizaj, Skenderaj, and Hani i Elezit. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) claimed Lipjan and Istog, while the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) retained Decan and Nisma held onto Malisheva.
In Serb-majority areas, the Serb List won nine municipalities and will face a runoff in Kllokot against the Serbian National Unity party.
No decisive winner
Analysts described the results as a political “balance of losses and gains.” LDK’s strong performance in Pristina, where it overtook the ruling Vetevendosje, was seen as the biggest surprise.
“There was an expected decline in support for Vetevendosje nationwide, but the drop in Pristina is especially significant,” said political analyst Besar Gërgi.
PDK maintained control over key strongholds in Mitrovica South, Prizren, and Ferizaj, but failed to make major inroads elsewhere. Vetevendosje, despite leading the central government, faced disappointment in several municipalities where it invested heavily in campaigning.
Muhaxhiri said the Pristina race — where the incumbent LDK candidate advanced to the runoff — highlighted voter fatigue with unfulfilled promises. “This result is not satisfactory for Vetevendosje considering the scale of their campaign,” he added.
Runoffs could reshape alliances
Seventeen municipalities will hold runoffs, a phase analysts say could blur party lines and test new coalitions.
“Parties are already considering post-election alliances,” said Muhaxhiri. “Vetevendosje will likely abandon its red lines to secure more mayoral seats, while LDK may also seek cross-party deals.”
Past elections have shown that leading in the first round does not guarantee victory in the runoff, said Gërgi, noting that “local and national party interests are now intertwined,” especially with speculation about early parliamentary elections.
Serb-majority areas remain unchanged
Results in Serb-dominated municipalities were largely predictable, with the Serb List consolidating control. Analysts say large-scale state investments from Belgrade and weak outreach by Pristina helped the party regain influence across the north.
“The institutional missteps by Kosovo authorities and Serbia’s active mobilization have strengthened the Serb List’s position,” Muhaxhiri said. “This sets the stage for continued political tension between local Serb leaders and the central government.”
Record-low turnout
Only 39.6 percent of the more than two million registered voters participated in Sunday’s elections, down from 43 percent in 2021. Analysts attributed the decline to voter apathy, lack of credible alternatives, and months of political deadlock at the central level.
“Citizens are losing trust in both local and national institutions,” said Gërgi. “The drop in turnout is a warning sign for Kosovo’s democracy.”