National
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Kosovo · Albania · Diaspora
Turnout Nears 15% in Kosovo Elections, Remains Below 2025 Levels
The Central Election Commission of Kosovo (CEC) has published the latest voter turnout figures for the June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections. As of around 1:00 p.m., 288,367 citizens had cast their ballots, representing 14.71 percent of registered voters across Kosovo.
Municipalities with a Serb majority continue to record the highest turnout rates. Zvečan leads with 34.51 percent, followed closely by Ranilug with 34.36 percent. Gračanica has registered a turnout of 28.61 percent, Novo Brdo 27.56 percent, and Zubin Potok 25.01 percent.
Turnout above 20 percent has also been recorded in North Mitrovica with 23.76 percent, Parteš with 23.05 percent, and Štrpce with 20.49 percent.
Among Kosovo’s largest municipalities, Pristina has recorded a turnout of 19.84 percent, Ferizaj 15.42 percent, Gjilan 15.26 percent, South Mitrovica 14.74 percent, Peja 14.59 percent, and Prizren 11.37 percent.
Meanwhile, the lowest turnout at this stage has been recorded in Dragash with 7.18 percent, Rahovec with 8.86 percent, Klina with 9.65 percent, and Malisheva with 10.04 percent.
The figures indicate that voter turnout in Kosovo remains below the level recorded during the parliamentary elections of December 28, 2025. At the same stage of the electoral process, turnout stood at 18.60 percent, compared to the current 14.71 percent.
The CEC of Kosovo is expected to continue publishing updated turnout figures throughout the day as the voting process continues and additional polling stations complete their reporting.
Municipalities with a Serb majority continue to record the highest turnout rates. Zvečan leads with 34.51 percent, followed closely by Ranilug with 34.36 percent. Gračanica has registered a turnout of 28.61 percent, Novo Brdo 27.56 percent, and Zubin Potok 25.01 percent.
Turnout above 20 percent has also been recorded in North Mitrovica with 23.76 percent, Parteš with 23.05 percent, and Štrpce with 20.49 percent.
Among Kosovo’s largest municipalities, Pristina has recorded a turnout of 19.84 percent, Ferizaj 15.42 percent, Gjilan 15.26 percent, South Mitrovica 14.74 percent, Peja 14.59 percent, and Prizren 11.37 percent.
Meanwhile, the lowest turnout at this stage has been recorded in Dragash with 7.18 percent, Rahovec with 8.86 percent, Klina with 9.65 percent, and Malisheva with 10.04 percent.
The figures indicate that voter turnout in Kosovo remains below the level recorded during the parliamentary elections of December 28, 2025. At the same stage of the electoral process, turnout stood at 18.60 percent, compared to the current 14.71 percent.
The CEC of Kosovo is expected to continue publishing updated turnout figures throughout the day as the voting process continues and additional polling stations complete their reporting.
Ad space
Constitutional Court: 34 days or elections
The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo has assessed that Decree no. 24/2026 of the President on the dissolution of the Assembly produces no legal effect. The decision came after reviewing two requests submitted by the Government of Kosovo and a group of Members of Parliament, who challenged the legality of this decree.
The issue is related to developments following the early parliamentary elections held on December 28, 2025, and efforts to elect a new President of the country. The Assembly had initiated the procedure for electing the President on March 5, 2026, but the session was interrupted due to a lack of the required quorum. A day later, the President issued the decree dissolving the Assembly, based on her interpretation of constitutional deadlines.
The applicants argued that the dissolution of the Assembly was premature and contrary to the Constitution, as the 60-day deadline for electing the President had not been exhausted and not all voting rounds had taken place.
On the other hand, the President defended the position that the constitutional deadline for electing the President was final and binding, and that failure to respect it justified the dissolution of the Assembly. She argued that inaction would create a constitutional crisis and risk the normal functioning of state institutions.
However, the Constitutional Court found that the decree was not in accordance with constitutional provisions and emphasized that the procedure for electing the President must continue within the prescribed deadlines. In its ruling, the Court gave the Assembly a deadline of 34 days to complete this process. If the Assembly fails to elect the President within this period, it will be automatically dissolved and the country will go to early elections within 45 days.
The issue is related to developments following the early parliamentary elections held on December 28, 2025, and efforts to elect a new President of the country. The Assembly had initiated the procedure for electing the President on March 5, 2026, but the session was interrupted due to a lack of the required quorum. A day later, the President issued the decree dissolving the Assembly, based on her interpretation of constitutional deadlines.
The applicants argued that the dissolution of the Assembly was premature and contrary to the Constitution, as the 60-day deadline for electing the President had not been exhausted and not all voting rounds had taken place.
On the other hand, the President defended the position that the constitutional deadline for electing the President was final and binding, and that failure to respect it justified the dissolution of the Assembly. She argued that inaction would create a constitutional crisis and risk the normal functioning of state institutions.
However, the Constitutional Court found that the decree was not in accordance with constitutional provisions and emphasized that the procedure for electing the President must continue within the prescribed deadlines. In its ruling, the Court gave the Assembly a deadline of 34 days to complete this process. If the Assembly fails to elect the President within this period, it will be automatically dissolved and the country will go to early elections within 45 days.
In this section
National
More than 130,000 citizens took part in the “Justice, Not Politics” march
According to a statement from the Civic Platform “Liria Ka Emër,” more than 130,000 citizens took part in the “Justice, Not Politics” march, organized in support of former leaders of the Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës (KLA), including Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. The organizers described the gathering as the largest march ever held in Kosovo since the declaration of independence.According to data published by the organizers and assessments by experts on the ground, participation was massive, with citizens arriving from various municipalities across the country, as well as from the region and the diaspora. The central square and main streets of Pristina were filled with participants, while the rally was held under the slogan “Justice, Not Politics.”Organizers stated that the purpose of the march was to express solidarity with former KLA leaders who are facing judicial proceedings in The Hague, emphasizing that the event had a civic and peaceful character. The statement noted that the broad participation and the message conveyed represented a public stance regarding the demand for justice.According to the same source, the large influx of citizens caused significant congestion at the entrances and exits of the capital. Thousands of people were reportedly stuck in traffic while traveling to Pristina due to the high number of vehicles and organized transportation from different municipalities.The march took place despite unfavorable weather conditions. Organizers emphasized that rainfall and logistical challenges did not affect the continuation of the event, which was characterized by a large presence of families, young people, and members of the diaspora.In its public reaction, “Liria Ka Emër” expressed gratitude to the citizens who, according to the platform, contributed to the organization and smooth conduct of the march. The statement noted that the mobilization was carried out calmly and in an organized manner, respecting public order.The march concluded without incidents reported by the organizers, while participants shared messages emphasizing the need for justice and support for the former KLA leaders. There were no immediate official announcements from the authorities regarding participation estimates.Today’s march represents an important moment of civic mobilization in the country and an expression of public sentiment regarding the ongoing judicial proceedings.
National
Mayor of Pristina: "Protecting the values of the KLA is a national issue, beyond political parties"
The Mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama, has stated that the protection of the values of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) should not be seen as a political issue, but as a national obligation that belongs to all citizens of Kosovo.
In a public statement, Rama emphasized that since the beginning of his mandate, four years ago, the Municipality of Pristina has created the Sector for Issues of Categories Emerging from the KLA War, which is led by a former veteran and has the mission of representing and protecting the rights of war veterans.
“Protecting the values of the Kosovo Liberation Army is an issue that belongs to all of us, beyond political parties,” Rama emphasized.
“Within my cabinet, we created a sector dedicated to serving KLA veterans. We are the only municipality in Kosovo that we have done this,” he added. Rama stressed that this initiative is not related to recent political developments, but is a continuous and institutional commitment to preserving the legacy of the liberation war and respecting the contribution of those who sacrificed for the country's freedom. “It is not a matter of the last few days, it is not a political matter. It is a bigger matter, a national matter,” Rama concluded.
In a public statement, Rama emphasized that since the beginning of his mandate, four years ago, the Municipality of Pristina has created the Sector for Issues of Categories Emerging from the KLA War, which is led by a former veteran and has the mission of representing and protecting the rights of war veterans.
“Protecting the values of the Kosovo Liberation Army is an issue that belongs to all of us, beyond political parties,” Rama emphasized.
“Within my cabinet, we created a sector dedicated to serving KLA veterans. We are the only municipality in Kosovo that we have done this,” he added. Rama stressed that this initiative is not related to recent political developments, but is a continuous and institutional commitment to preserving the legacy of the liberation war and respecting the contribution of those who sacrificed for the country's freedom. “It is not a matter of the last few days, it is not a political matter. It is a bigger matter, a national matter,” Rama concluded.
National
James Rubin: Such allegations against KLA leaders were fabricated
American diplomat James Rubin, known as Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's right-hand man during the Clinton administration, appeared today as a defense witness in the trial of KLA leaders at the Special Court in The Hague.
During questions posed by the defense, Rubin also focused on allegations of executions and crimes allegedly committed by leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. He stressed that he had no information linking the KLA leaders to these accusations. "I have concluded that many of these accusations and allegations were fabricated and linked to disinformation campaigns by Russia and Serbia," Rubin stated, among other things, during his testimony. He added that the information he received from the field went through several levels of verification, emphasizing that based on them he had formed the conviction that the allegations against the KLA leaders were unfounded. The statements of the American diplomat give a strong impetus to the defense of the former KLA leaders.
During questions posed by the defense, Rubin also focused on allegations of executions and crimes allegedly committed by leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. He stressed that he had no information linking the KLA leaders to these accusations. "I have concluded that many of these accusations and allegations were fabricated and linked to disinformation campaigns by Russia and Serbia," Rubin stated, among other things, during his testimony. He added that the information he received from the field went through several levels of verification, emphasizing that based on them he had formed the conviction that the allegations against the KLA leaders were unfounded. The statements of the American diplomat give a strong impetus to the defense of the former KLA leaders.
More headlines
06
OVL-UCK mobilizes thousands of citizens for justice
Thousands of citizens gathered today in Pristina's Skanderbeg Square, in a protest organized by the Organization of KLA War Veterans (OVL-KLA), to oppose the Special Court.
Several well-known public and international figures spoke at the protest, including Hysni Gucat, Arbër Cacajn, investigator Nevenka Tromp and Ali Ahmeti.
Nevenka Tromp, known for her role as an investigator in the trial of Slobodan Milošević at the Hague Tribunal, expressed her solidarity with the protesting citizens.
"Your leaders went voluntarily, believing, like you, that justice would be served quickly. They did so knowing the danger it posed to every war veteran. Because they believed in their cause. They believed that the war they fought for was just. However, "Here we are five years later, they are still in detention with no verdict on the horizon," Trump said, among other things.
Amid calls for justice and an end to long detentions without verdicts, protesters demanded equal treatment by international justice and respect for the history of Kosovo's liberation war.
Several well-known public and international figures spoke at the protest, including Hysni Gucat, Arbër Cacajn, investigator Nevenka Tromp and Ali Ahmeti.
Nevenka Tromp, known for her role as an investigator in the trial of Slobodan Milošević at the Hague Tribunal, expressed her solidarity with the protesting citizens.
"Your leaders went voluntarily, believing, like you, that justice would be served quickly. They did so knowing the danger it posed to every war veteran. Because they believed in their cause. They believed that the war they fought for was just. However, "Here we are five years later, they are still in detention with no verdict on the horizon," Trump said, among other things.
Amid calls for justice and an end to long detentions without verdicts, protesters demanded equal treatment by international justice and respect for the history of Kosovo's liberation war.
07
Kosovo marked the 26th anniversary of Liberation Day, commemorating the entry of NATO forces in 1999.
Kosovo today marked the 26th anniversary of Liberation Day – a historic date that marked the end of the war and the beginning of a new era for the country. On June 12, 1999, over 50,000 NATO troops entered the territory of Kosovo. After 78 days of bombing against Serbian forces, the KLA's war on the ground, and decades of systematic oppression of the Albanian population, the conditions for the liberation of the country were created.
This day is commemorated as the moment when Kosovo, devastated by war and ethnic cleansing, began to breathe freely. More than a million Albanians expelled during the Serbian regime's offensive began to return to their homes. With the entry of NATO forces into Kosovo, a new chapter was opened on the path of state-building. On this anniversary, Pristina and other cities in Kosovo marked Liberation Day with symbolic ceremonies and demonstrations.
This day is commemorated as the moment when Kosovo, devastated by war and ethnic cleansing, began to breathe freely. More than a million Albanians expelled during the Serbian regime's offensive began to return to their homes. With the entry of NATO forces into Kosovo, a new chapter was opened on the path of state-building. On this anniversary, Pristina and other cities in Kosovo marked Liberation Day with symbolic ceremonies and demonstrations.
08
Albania Holds Elections Today: Diaspora Votes for the First Time
Albania is holding its general parliamentary elections today. Prime Minister Edi Rama, who is seeking a fourth term, faces his long-time rival, Sali Berisha, an 80-year-old former prime minister. The race has taken place in a politically polarized environment, accompanied by harsh rhetoric and intense efforts to attract voters.
For the first time in the country's history, Albanians living abroad have the right to vote by mail, which gives a new dimension to this year's elections. More than 3.7 million citizens are registered to vote, choosing between over 2,000 candidates from 53 political parties and three coalitions, in one of the broadest and most fragmented contests the country has ever seen.
Polls place the Socialist Party as the favorite, while Berisha has increased the weight of his campaign by engaging American strategist Chris LaCivita, known for leading Donald Trump's 2024 campaign. Voting will last until 7:00 p.m. Tonight, while preliminary results are expected to be announced on Monday, May 12.
For the first time in the country's history, Albanians living abroad have the right to vote by mail, which gives a new dimension to this year's elections. More than 3.7 million citizens are registered to vote, choosing between over 2,000 candidates from 53 political parties and three coalitions, in one of the broadest and most fragmented contests the country has ever seen.
Polls place the Socialist Party as the favorite, while Berisha has increased the weight of his campaign by engaging American strategist Chris LaCivita, known for leading Donald Trump's 2024 campaign. Voting will last until 7:00 p.m. Tonight, while preliminary results are expected to be announced on Monday, May 12.
09
On his anniversary, one of the nation's brightest minds is honored
On the 26th anniversary of the assassination of Prof. Fehmi Agani, the Democratic League of Kosovo commemorated his great figure, appreciating him as one of the main pillars of political thought and peaceful resistance of the people of Kosovo.
The Chairman of the LDK, Lumir Abdixhiku, through a commemorative message, emphasized that the assassination of Prof. Agani on May 6, 1999 by Serbian forces constitutes one of the most serious wounds in the country's modern history, an assassination attempt on the mind, wisdom and ideal of Kosovo for freedom and independence.
"Prof. Fehmi Agani was one of the fundamental figures of the golden generation of Albanian intellectuals at the end of the 20th century. As a distinguished lecturer at the University of Pristina, he educated entire generations of students who later became leaders of the movement for freedom and independence," said Abdixhiku.
Agani was among the founders of the Democratic League of Kosovo and a close associate of the historic president Ibrahim Rugova. He also held the position of vice-president of the LDK, playing a key role in drafting the peaceful strategy of the Kosovo resistance during the 1990s.
"His assassination was an attempt to strike at the political and intellectual axis of Kosovo. Today, we remember with reverence his figure and work, while the legacy he left behind remains a guide in building a more just Kosovo and more worthy of the sacrifices of its best sons," Abdixhiku further emphasized.
Prof. Fehmi Agani remains one of the most respected figures in the recent history of Kosovo, known for his wisdom, deep thinking and dedication to the national cause.
The Chairman of the LDK, Lumir Abdixhiku, through a commemorative message, emphasized that the assassination of Prof. Agani on May 6, 1999 by Serbian forces constitutes one of the most serious wounds in the country's modern history, an assassination attempt on the mind, wisdom and ideal of Kosovo for freedom and independence.
"Prof. Fehmi Agani was one of the fundamental figures of the golden generation of Albanian intellectuals at the end of the 20th century. As a distinguished lecturer at the University of Pristina, he educated entire generations of students who later became leaders of the movement for freedom and independence," said Abdixhiku.
Agani was among the founders of the Democratic League of Kosovo and a close associate of the historic president Ibrahim Rugova. He also held the position of vice-president of the LDK, playing a key role in drafting the peaceful strategy of the Kosovo resistance during the 1990s.
"His assassination was an attempt to strike at the political and intellectual axis of Kosovo. Today, we remember with reverence his figure and work, while the legacy he left behind remains a guide in building a more just Kosovo and more worthy of the sacrifices of its best sons," Abdixhiku further emphasized.
Prof. Fehmi Agani remains one of the most respected figures in the recent history of Kosovo, known for his wisdom, deep thinking and dedication to the national cause.
10
Court orders detention for three suspects for crimes in Pristina and Lipjan prisons
The Basic Court in Pristina - Special Department, has ordered a pre-trial detention of one (1) month for three defendants: B. T., M. I. And N. C., who are suspected of committing the criminal offense of "War crimes against the civilian population" during the war in Kosovo in 1998-1999.
According to the court's announcement, the request of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo was approved after the hearing, where the preliminary procedure judge assessed that there are legal conditions for ordering the pre-trial detention.
The prosecution's well-founded suspicions relate to the inhumane treatment of Albanian prisoners in the Pristina Prison and the parallel prison in Lipjan during the war period. Defendants B. T. And M. I., in their capacity as prison guards in these institutions, are accused of having committed acts of systematic torture in collaboration with other persons, using tools such as rubber batons, metal rods, and other means of physical violence. Meanwhile, defendant N. C., also in her capacity as a prison guard in Lipjan, is suspected of having exercised physical and psychological violence against Albanian prisoners, also in collaboration with other prison officers. The court assessed that there is a real risk that, if the defendants are released, they may influence witnesses or damage material evidence, as well as escape to avoid criminal prosecution. Also, the gravity of the criminal offense has made the measure of detention considered necessary and that any other measure would be insufficient to guarantee the fair development of the judicial procedure.
Parties dissatisfied with the decision have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal, through the Basic Court in Pristina.
According to the court's announcement, the request of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo was approved after the hearing, where the preliminary procedure judge assessed that there are legal conditions for ordering the pre-trial detention.
The prosecution's well-founded suspicions relate to the inhumane treatment of Albanian prisoners in the Pristina Prison and the parallel prison in Lipjan during the war period. Defendants B. T. And M. I., in their capacity as prison guards in these institutions, are accused of having committed acts of systematic torture in collaboration with other persons, using tools such as rubber batons, metal rods, and other means of physical violence. Meanwhile, defendant N. C., also in her capacity as a prison guard in Lipjan, is suspected of having exercised physical and psychological violence against Albanian prisoners, also in collaboration with other prison officers. The court assessed that there is a real risk that, if the defendants are released, they may influence witnesses or damage material evidence, as well as escape to avoid criminal prosecution. Also, the gravity of the criminal offense has made the measure of detention considered necessary and that any other measure would be insufficient to guarantee the fair development of the judicial procedure.
Parties dissatisfied with the decision have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal, through the Basic Court in Pristina.