As Kosovo approaches the parliamentary elections on February 9, 2025, young voters are voicing their hopes and concerns for the future. With over two million eligible voters, including more than 125,000 first-time voters, the youth are keen on seeing tangible change from the next government, Radio Free Europe reports.

Edona Asllani, 23, from Ferizaj, marks her New Year’s Eve in the dark due to power outages, a recurring issue that she hopes the next government will solve. “We had no electricity for hours on New Year’s Eve,” she says. Though undecided on which party to support, Edona wants the future government to permanently address the power supply problem. “I don’t engage in politics, but I will vote because it’s my civic duty,” she adds.

Young voters like Edona, along with Anisa Hajdini and Amelia Sefa, are eager for changes in education and student support. Anisa, a law student at the University of Prishtina, has decided on her political choice, expecting reforms in higher education, such as a shift from written exams to oral assessments. “Not everyone likes the current exam system, and I would prefer oral exams,” she says.

Amelia, also a student at the University of Prishtina, hopes for better support for students, including access to necessary study materials and financial aid. “We need better resources and even a small financial allowance for students’ personal needs,” she suggests.

Meanwhile, Gjin Prelvukaj, a mechatronics engineering student, highlights the challenges faced by young people in the job market. “When job openings are posted, they require 3 to 5 years of experience, which is impossible for someone who is 22 years old,” he points out. With youth unemployment in Kosovo at 17.3%, Prelvukaj calls for better job opportunities and conditions to increase youth participation in the workforce.

Lis Shala, another student, advocates for higher salaries. “The average salary in Kosovo is just 570 euros, but it should be at least 700 euros to cover basic living costs like rent, food, and utilities,” he explains.

Diamant Maraj, 23, believes his chosen party will fulfill its promise to raise salaries, but he stresses that combating corruption, especially in the energy sector, should be a priority. “There are suspicions of corruption in the electricity sector. Let’s eliminate these doubts,” Maraj says.

As the election campaign progresses, voters will have opportunities to hear more from political parties through interviews, social media, and televised debates. These parties have made various promises regarding foreign relations, economic development, and reforms in health and education. However, as with previous elections, citizens continue to call for more significant changes.

The Central Election Commission reports that there are 2,075,868 eligible voters both within Kosovo and abroad. Among them, more than 125,000 are new voters who have reached the voting age since the last elections.

For 23-year-old law student Mimoza Maqedonci, none of the political parties have convinced her yet. “None of the parties have convinced me enough to say they are ideal to vote for,” she shares. She is waiting to see how the campaign unfolds and hopes to be better informed about the available options before making her decision.