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Kosovo's Parliament fails to elect president, risking new election
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Kosovo’s parliament failed to elect a new president before the legal deadline, falling short of the quorum and heightening the risk of another snap parliamentary vote in coming weeks.
Kosovo's parliament fails to elect president, risking new election
Political Crisis Unfolds in Kosovo
PRISTINA, March 5 (Reuters) - Kosovo's parliament missed the deadline to elect a new president on Thursday, plunging the country into a fresh political crisis that could trigger another snap election.
Parliamentary Deadlock
The 120-seat assembly had until midnight to vote for a head of state, but Prime Minister Albin Kurti's ruling party, Vetevendosje, was unable to bring opposition lawmakers on board and vote for its candidate.
Opposition's Stance and Candidate Nomination
The opposition parties have asked for a consensual candidate, but Kurti has nominated his foreign minister, Glauk Konjufca. "There is no quorum to continue this session... we cannot proceed with the vote," speaker of the parliament Albulena Haxhiu said, noting that only 66 lawmakers were present, well below the 80 required.
Potential for New Snap Election
If a snap election is called, it would be the third parliamentary vote in just over a year. Kosovo already held a snap election on December 28 after failing to form a government following the February 2025 poll.
Opposition Parties Call for Action
The two largest opposition parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic League of Kosovo, have urged the president to call fresh elections.
Next Steps and Presidential Response
Outgoing President Vjosa Osmani, who has another month in office, is expected to outline the way forward on Friday.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Fatos BytyciEditing by Bill Berkrot)
Key Takeaways
- •Kosovo’s 120-member Assembly lacked the 80 lawmakers needed for quorum, with only 66 present—blocking the vote for the presidency.
- •This marks the third parliamentary election cycle since February 2025, underscoring persistent political fragmentation and institutional strain.
- •Incumbent President Vjosa Osmani, whose term ends early April, has proposed a constitutional amendment for direct presidential election to overcome recurring stalemates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kosovo's parliament fails to elect president, risking new election
1Why did Kosovo's parliament fail to elect a new president?
Kosovo's parliament failed to elect a new president because there was no quorum; only 66 lawmakers were present, well below the required 80.
2Who was nominated as the presidential candidate by the ruling party?
Prime Minister Albin Kurti's party nominated Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca as the presidential candidate.
3What could happen next after the failed vote?
A snap election could be called, potentially the third in just over a year, if parliament cannot agree on a president.
4When is outgoing President Vjosa Osmani's term ending?
Outgoing President Vjosa Osmani has another month in office and is expected to outline the next steps soon.
