The United States of America is closely following the latest developments in Kosovo, while expressing concern about the continuation of the political blockade in the country.
A spokesperson for the US State Department told Radio Free Europe that “the ongoing political deadlock damages trust in Kosovo’s institutions.”
“We are following developments closely. We would like to see all political groups cooperate for the best interests of the people of Kosovo,” said the spokesperson.
Kosovo will hold early parliamentary elections on June 7.
They were announced after the Assembly was automatically dissolved this week, due to the failure to elect a new president within the constitutional deadline.
The ruling party, Vetëvendosje Movement, accused the opposition of deliberately boycotting the sessions, while the opposition parties blamed the government for a lack of cooperation and for trying to concentrate power in a single hand.
The tenth legislature, resulting from the early elections of December 28, lasted less than three months.
Those elections were held after a prolonged political crisis that began after the regular elections of 9 February 2025, when the Assembly failed to be constituted for months and efforts to form a Government ended in failure.
Analysts warn that Kosovo risks facing a scenario similar to that of Bulgaria, which in the last five years has gone through seven consecutive election cycles without achieving institutional stability.
They add that the crisis also affects the pace of state decision-making and brings a significant financial burden to the state budget.
On May 2, the Central Election Commission announced that the deadline for political parties to declare for participation in the June 7 elections, as well as for the formation of coalitions, has begun, which will last until May 7.
According to the activity plan approved by the CEC, the deadline for the certification of new parties and the submission of lists of candidates for MPs began on May 2. The deadline for new parties ends on May 10, while for candidate lists on May 12.
A day ago, the CEC also approved the plan of activities and the budget for the early elections, which will cost 10 million and 887 thousand euros.
The election campaign will last 10 days, from May 28 to June 7 at 07:00, when the polls open.
Voting by mail will take place from May 25 to June 6, while voting will be organized in diplomatic missions one day before the elections.
Registration for voting from abroad will take place from May 6 to 17.
In the elections of December 28, over 2 million citizens of Kosovo, inside and outside the country, had the right to vote – a figure that is expected to remain similar in the upcoming elections.
The participation was about 45 percent./ RE
