Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje Movement, which has ruled Kosovo for the past five years, topped parliamentary elections once again on 42.94% of the votes counted. 

With turnout down to 27%, it’s likely that the largest party will need coalition partners in order to rule. Opposition parties have complained that the government exudes ‘constant crisis,’ undermining confidence in the 120-seat parliament (where 20 are reserved for ethnic minority representatives).

On Monday, June 8th the result was praised by the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos:

Congratulations Albin Kurti on winning the elections in Kosovo, and importantly on the calm, inclusive and orderly voting process. For Kosovo to progress on its EU path, political forces must now come together and find compromises to build institutional stability. I look forward to returning to Kosovo at the earliest opportunity to step up work on Kosovo’s EU integration and continuing work on the Growth Plan financing.

Following this third parliamentary election in 16 months (!), Kurti promised to “combine the security of the state and borders with the well-being of citizens.”