LDK wins Prishtina, reshaping Kosovo’s local map as early elections loom

Përparim Rama, the incumbent mayor of Prishtina and candidate of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), has secured a second term after winning Sunday’s mayoral runoff with 51.5% of the vote, defeating Vetëvendosje’s Hajrulla Çeku by a narrow 3-point margin. Supporters took to the streets of the capital shortly after the quick ballot count concluded.

Why is this important: LDK’s win in Prishtina — the political and economic heart of Kosovo — marks a major symbolic and strategic victory for the party, which has struggled to regain momentum in recent years. Rama’s re-election strengthens LDK’s hand ahead of potential early parliamentary elections, which he hinted could come within weeks.

Context: The November 3 runoffs were held in 18 municipalities across Kosovo, following a first round of local elections on October 12. All votes were counted in just over two hours.
LDK and Vetëvendosje each ended the race with control of 7 municipalities, while the remaining wins were split among the PDK, AAK, NISMA, Serb List, and other minority parties.

Speaking to supporters, Rama said:

“The capital is the heart of all Kosovo. Whoever governs at the national level must be cooperative, and I have no doubt that in about a month and a half we’ll have Lumir [Abdixhiku] as Prime Minister.”

Results overview:

• LDK won Prishtina, Pejë, Viti, Dragash, and Junik — totaling 7 municipalities across both rounds.
• Vetëvendosje took Fushë Kosovë, Mitrovica South, Obiliq, and Gjilan in the runoff — also totaling 7 municipalities, a net gain of 3 since 2021.
• PDK won 6 municipalities total, including 3 in the runoff.
• AAK now governs 5 municipalities, after winning 4 new ones (Gjakovë, Rahovec, Suharekë, Klinë).
• NISMA, Turkish Democratic Party, and Ramis Lladrovci’s list each took 1 municipality.
• The Serb List retained all 10 Serb-majority municipalities.

What Kurti said: Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who campaigned for Vetëvendosje candidates, celebrated in Fushë Kosovë and called the results a sign of resilience:

“In all these cases, others united against Vetëvendosje… This is a victory for us and the people.”

Big picture: Compared to the 2021 cycle, Vetëvendosje is the biggest gainer, while PDK has lost ground. The results leave Kosovo’s political landscape more fragmented, with major parties splitting control across municipalities — and signaling a new phase of national contest.