Kosovo holds third election in 18 months amid political crisis

Kosovo is preparing for its third parliamentary election in just 18 months, a consequence of ongoing political instability and the inability of any single party to form a stable majority government. The Balkan nation, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, aspires to join the European Union but has struggled to implement necessary reforms due to fractured parliaments. Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje party is expected to secure victory again, as it did in the previous election with 51.1% of the vote. However, analysts suggest Kurti will still need to negotiate with opposition parties to achieve the two-thirds majority required to elect a new president, a process that has previously led to parliamentary dissolution and snap elections. Relations with Serbia remain strained, and the EU has called for stronger institutions capable of delivering reforms for potential membership.