The snap election was triggered after parliament failed to resolve a months-long dispute over the election of a new president, leading to the legislature’s dissolution in April and extending a period of political uncertainty in Europe’s youngest nation.

Analysts expect Kurti’s Vetevendosje movement to emerge as the largest party once again, although its ability to translate electoral success into effective governance remains uncertain. Even if it secures another victory, the party is expected to require cooperation from rivals to obtain the two-thirds parliamentary majority necessary to elect a president and end the institutional stalemate.

Kosovo has spent much of the past year without a fully operational government as fragmented political forces repeatedly failed to agree on key leadership appointments. The inability to elect first a parliamentary speaker and later a head of state has deepened concerns about governance and reform implementation.

Kurti’s Vetevendosje party won 51.1% of the vote in the December election, improving on its 42% result in February 2025. However, the party was unable to secure support from opposition groups for a presidential candidate, resulting in another collapse of the political process.

The European Union has repeatedly urged Kosovo’s political leaders to establish stable institutions capable of advancing reforms required for eventual membership in the bloc. Political instability has raised concerns in Brussels about the pace of governance, judicial and economic reforms.

Since first taking power in 2021, Vetevendosje has pursued a nationalist and welfare-oriented agenda while maintaining Kosovo’s broadly pro-Western foreign policy orientation. The party has also resisted making additional concessions in negotiations with Serbia, which continues to reject Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence and remains at odds with Pristina over a range of political and security issues.

According to Kosovo’s election commission, more than 900 candidates from 17 political parties and three coalition groups are contesting seats in the 120-member parliament.

More than 2.1 million voters are registered to cast ballots, a figure exceeding Kosovo’s resident population of roughly 1.6 million because of a large diaspora community concentrated mainly in Western Europe. The diaspora has traditionally been an important source of support for Kurti and his party.

The election is being closely watched by European officials and regional observers seeking signs that Kosovo can overcome repeated political deadlocks and restore institutional stability after more than a year of recurring electoral contests.

All 495 lawmakers present endorsed his nomination, according to parliament, formalizing a dual leadership structure that departs from Vietnam’s long-standing system of collective governance.

Lam, who secured a second term earlier this year as head of the Communist Party of Vietnam, now holds both the top party and state positions for the next five years. Analysts say the concentration of authority could streamline policymaking but also raises concerns about increased centralization of power.

In a televised address after the vote, Lam pledged to pursue a new growth strategy driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, while emphasizing stability, self-reliance in defense and improvements in living standards.

The leadership shift marks a structural change in Vietnam’s political system, bringing it closer to models seen in other one-party states where power is concentrated in a single figure.

Observers say this could accelerate economic decision-making in the fast-growing Southeast Asian economy.Lam, 68, previously served as minister of public security and has promoted reforms aimed at boosting competitiveness and reducing reliance on low-cost manufacturing.

His policies have drawn both praise from investors and concerns over potential risks such as market distortions, favouritism and asset bubbles.Vietnam’s foreign policy is expected to remain broadly unchanged, with Lam continuing a balancing approach between major powers while expanding global partnerships.

The National Assembly is expected to appoint a new prime minister later on Tuesday to replace Pham Minh Chinh.