Kosovo’s second round of local elections concluded without major incidents, producing results that consolidate the Democratic League of Kosovo’s (LDK) position at the municipal level and confirm a stable division of the electorate among the main parties.
According to preliminary results from the Central Election Commission (CEC), LDK emerged as the most successful force in the runoff, securing control over municipalities with about 460,000 residents. The ruling Vetevendosje (VV) and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) retained key strongholds, while the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) strengthened its position in the country’s southwest.
In Pristina, LDK’s Përparim Rama defeated VV’s Hajrulla Çeku, marking a political setback for Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who had personally led campaign efforts in several municipalities.
In Prizren, PDK’s Shaqir Totaj won another term, while in South Mitrovica, VV’s Faton Peci narrowly claimed victory. In Gjilan, VV’s Alban Hyseni held his post, and in Suhareka, AAK’s Bali Muharremaj secured a third term.
The runoffs were held in 18 municipalities and were praised by international observers. The OSCE and the European Union congratulated the CEC for managing the process effectively. “The electoral process was orderly and transparent,” said EU Ambassador to Kosovo Eva Palatova.
Although voter turnout stood at around 32 percent – lower than in the first round – the results are expected to influence future political dynamics. Analysts say VV’s loss in Pristina limits its ambition for full political dominance, while LDK’s comeback in the capital could boost its standing nationally.
In Obiliq, the only municipality where the first-round outcome was overturned, the change of winner reflects voter volatility in industrial and public sector-dependent areas.
Party leaders responded with conciliatory tones in the evening. AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj said his party “has increased public trust,” while Kurti noted that “Vetevendosje won seven municipalities against everyone.” LDK MP Hykmete Bajrami called the second-round result “a step toward national victory.”
Commentators, however, warned that parties will have little time to celebrate. “The local elections demonstrated institutional stability but also political fragmentation. This sets the stage for a year of intense maneuvering ahead of the next parliamentary vote,” an analyst in Pristina told Balkan View.