Kosovo local elections: Mayors elected in 17 municipalities in first round

In nine out of the ten Serb-majority municipalities, mayors secured their positions in the initial round of voting.

Among ethnic Albanian political entities, the Self-Determination Movement (Vetevendosje) claimed two municipalities, the Democratic League of Kosovo secured two, the Democratic Party of Kosovo also won two, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo claimed one, NISMA one, and the Ramiz Ladrovci Citizens’ Group secured one municipality.

Twenty municipalities are headed for a runoff.

Although the CEC had announced that preliminary election results would be released on Sunday, this did not happen.

Zlatan Elek, leader of the Serb List, the Serb party widely considered to be closely aligned with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, said that his party achieved a decisive victory in nine out of 10 Serb-majority municipalities. He added that they hold a two-thirds majority in all 10 municipalities and that the four municipalities north of the Ibar River are back in Serb hands.

Local elections were held on Sunday across Kosovo to elect mayors and municipal councilors in 38 municipalities.