Vote and Vote Again: Kosovo Returns to Polls to End Year of Gridlock

A festive mood might prevail elsewhere in Europe, but not in Kosovo, which is bracing for another election showdown this Sunday – the second in a year.

Over ten days of the campaign, political leaders and more than 1,200 candidates have trawled for the support of around 2.1 million voters at meetings of all sizes in sports halls, schools, restaurants and even in traditional entertaining rooms in Kosovo homes, known as odas.

In the previous elections in February this year, the ballots cast did not result in a new administration. The inauguration of parliament took months to complete; a new government never materialised.

For many, including politicians and political experts, this was mainly down to the bitter animosities between the various parties. Last week, President Vjosa Osmani said she hoped this belongs to the past.