A left-wing opposition party is on the verge of winning the legislative elections in Kosovo on Sunday February 14 in front of the old guard of commanders, according to polls taken at the polls.

The Vetevendosje party, embodied by Albin Kurti, brandishes the banner of the fight against corruption in a territory plagued by poverty and political instability,

These early elections, the fifth since the proclamation of independence of the former Serbian province in 2008, were held as the coronavirus pandemic worsens. 

The epidemic has also exacerbated the economic and social ills of the territory of 1.8 million inhabitants where the average salary is around 500 euros and where young people, faced with an unemployment rate of 50%, are massively seeking their salvation. in emigration to Switzerland or Germany.

An anti-corruption party in the lead

The thirst for change is embodied for many by Vetevendosje (VV) or "self-determination", Albin Kurti's left-wing reform movement in the war against corruption.

According to exit polls carried out by four television channels, the main opposition party won between 41 and 53% of the vote.

Kosovo, PIPOS Exit Poll:



LVV ~ S & D: 42% (+16)


PDK-ECR: 17% (-4)


LDK-EPP: 15% (-10)


AAK- *: 7% (-5)


NISMA- *: 3% (-2)



+/- vs.

2019 election result


#Kosovo # zgjedhjet2021 pic.twitter.com/Czj9fygd1s

- Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) February 14, 2021

The PDK established by former rebel commanders of the war of independence against the Serbian forces (1998-99) as well as the center-right LDK would have won between 15 and 20% of the votes.

The supporters of Albin Kurti accuse the ex-guerrillas of capturing state resources and of spoiling the first years of independence of the territory populated by Albanians. 

"People are waiting for change, they are waiting for the end of the problems that plague us, such as corruption and nepotism," doctor Sadik Kelemendi told AFP before voting in the cold and snow.

"We must also devote ourselves to the fight" against a virus that has killed more than 1,500 people and has failed to overwhelm fragile health services, he adds.

Will he have the means to govern?

The ex-rebellion took part in the electoral fight handicapped by the absence of several great figures such as former President Hashim Thaçi, indicted in November by international justice for war crimes during and after the conflict against Serbian forces.

Opposite, VV received the reinforcement of interim president Vjosa Osmani, 38, symbol of a new generation political class which left the center-right LDK of outgoing Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti.

Vetevendosje had finished first in the last two legislative elections but had been ousted by coalitions concluded by others.

In 2020, the government of Albin Kurti, a formidable tribune who spent two years in Slobodan Milosevic's jails, had held out for about fifty days before being overthrown.

This time, he can hope to form a government majority if he allies himself with the parties representing minorities, which have 20 out of 120 seats in parliament. 

Not all support the full program of a movement once known for its violent protests and anti-Western rhetoric, analysts say.

Albin Kurti is accused by his opponents of "dictatorial" aims and of representing a threat to the privileged relationship between Kosovo and the United States.

Authorities were prohibited from appearing in person on the grounds of a conviction for throwing tear gas in the Assembly.

But that would not prevent him from forming a government if successful.

Taking a hard line against Belgrade, Albin Kurtiaurait in this case to continue a difficult dialogue with Serbia, supposed to normalize relations with Belgrade, which still refuses to recognize the independence of his former province. 

More than 20 years after the war, this unresolved issue is a source of tension in the region and an obstacle to the dreams of a European Union in both Belgrade and Pristina.

With AFP

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