Kosovo Election Shake-Up: Diaspora Votes Push Vetëvendosje Into First Place in Istog

 The counting of diaspora votes continues to influence Kosovo’s electoral landscape, not only affecting the distribution of parliamentary seats but also altering the ranking of political parties in several municipalities across the country.

 

According to preliminary election results, Lëvizja Vetëvendosje had emerged as the leading political force in most municipalities. However, several areas in the Dukagjini region initially remained under the control of rival parties.

One of those municipalities was Istog, where Lidhja Demokratike e Kosovës (LDK) had held a narrow lead. Meanwhile, Aleanca për Ardhmërinë e Kosovës (AAK) was leading in Junik.

The arrival and counting of votes from Kosovo citizens living abroad have significantly changed that picture.

In Istog, Vetëvendosje has now moved into first place, overtaking LDK after the latest diaspora ballots were added to the count. Although three additional diaspora ballot boxes from the municipality have yet to be counted, Vetëvendosje currently leads LDK by 109 votes.

The latest figures place LDK in second position, while Partia Demokratike e Kosovës (PDK) remains in third place.

The development highlights the growing influence of diaspora voters in Kosovo’s elections, with overseas ballots increasingly proving decisive in closely contested municipalities. As the counting process continues, additional changes remain possible in areas where votes from abroad have not yet been fully processed.

Election authorities are expected to release updated results as the remaining diaspora ballots are counted, potentially reshaping local political standings even further.