2010 Kosovan parliamentary election

The election was initially called on 15 October 2010, after President Fatmir Sejdiu resigned in September 2010 over accusations of breaching the constitution by continuing to hold his party leadership while president. However, the next day the Democratic League of Kosovo announced it would leave the ruling coalition on 18 October 2010, which would require early elections to be held within 45 days of that date.{{cite web|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6119244,00.html|title=Kosovo's ruling coalition collapses, prompting early elections | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 16.10.2010|publisher=Dw-world.de|access-date=2 February 2011}} After the government failed a vote of no confidence on 2 November 2010, the election was set for 12 December 2010.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11677809|title=BBC News - Kosovo's government brought down by no-confidence vote|publisher=BBC|date=2 November 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}}{{cite web|author=Clive Leviev-Sawyer|url=http://www.sofiaecho.com/2010/11/03/986457_kosovo-to-hold-snap-elections-on-december-12|title=Kosovo to hold snap elections on 12 December - South Eastern Europe|publisher=The Sofia Echo|date=3 November 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}} The vote was a result of Hashim Thaçi's governing party supporting a no-confidence vote to trigger a snap election.

This was to be the first election since Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence, and the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the legality of the declaration.

The call for a new election was condemned both within and without Kosovo because the incumbent government "orchestrat[ed] its own downfall," while election observers "warned the snap polls it triggered could damage Pristina at the international level." Koha Ditore said: "Nowhere in the world has a government overthrown itself asking for it to be changed. It could only happen in Kosovo." Express Daily also added that the election was a result of "the way Hashim Thaçi wanted it. The prime minister himself insisted on voting to overthrow the government." Other analysts also warned of ominous outcomes: Nexhmedin Spahiu said "Kosovo will pay the biggest price for it in the eyes of the international community. This will affect international recognitions because the crisis weakens the position of Kosovo." A journalist, Halil Matoshi, concurred with the reaction and added that "the quick and dizzying fall of all the pillars of the system [proved] the political establishment is unable to ensure stability. It sends a very bad message for Kosovo as a new democracy at the time when the country is facing the Atlantic integrations and implementation of European standards to achieve NATO and EU membership".{{cite web|url=http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=396349&version=1&template_id=39&parent_id=21|title=Gulf Times – Qatar's top-selling English daily newspaper - Europe/World|publisher=Gulf-times.com|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104210704/http://gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=396349&version=1&template_id=39&parent_id=21|archive-date=4 November 2010|url-status=dead}}

In the Assembly (Kuvendi/Skupstina), 100 members are elected through an open-list proportional representation system to serve 4-year terms and 20 members are reserved to represent Kosovo's national minorities to serve 4-year terms.

In the proportional tier, there is a 30 per cent female quota under which every third candidate must be female. Electors may vote for up to five individual candidates within the list they choose. For the 20 reserved seats, 10 seats are reserved for Serbs, 4 seats for the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, 3 seats for the Bosniaks, 2 seats for the Turks, and one seat for the Gorani community.{{cite web|title=Kosovo Election Profile|url=http://electionguide.org/election.php?ID=1911|work=IFES}}

Of the four seats reserved for the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, one seat is specifically reserved for the Roma, one for the Ashkali, and one for the Egyptian community. The fourth seat is assigned to the community with the highest overall votes.[https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/166540/Working_Paper_69.pdf Zora Popova, "Minority Participation in Kosovo Elections: Opportunities and Challenges"], European Centre for Minority Issues, June 2013, p. 4.

The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) split before the election.{{why|date=November 2011}} In late October 2010, former Health Minister Bujar Bukoshi and Ukë Rugova (the son of the late president Ibrahim Rugova) announced they would be filing a citizens' list called LDK – Ibrahim Rugova to run in the election.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2010/10/29/feature-01|title=A split in Kosovo's LDK?|publisher=SETimes.com|date=29 October 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}} The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo of Ramush Haradinaj also signed an agreement with the LDK – Ibrahim Rugova faction list on 10 November 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2010/11/11/nb-07|title=Kosovo's LDK "rebels" join with opposition AAK|publisher=SETimes.com|access-date=2 February 2011}}

At a party congress on 7 November, Pristina mayor Isa Mustafa was elected as the new leader of LDK, beating incumbent Fatmir Sejdiu with 235 to 125 votes.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2010/11/08/feature-02|title=Pristina mayor is new LDK head|publisher=SETimes.com|access-date=2 February 2011}}

New Kosovo Coalition (AKR–PD–PSD–PPI–PPK–PNDSH–PGJK) – The New Kosovo Alliance of Behgjet Pacolli signed pre-election agreements with the Justice Party and the Social Democratic Party of Kosovo in early November.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2010/11/08/nb-10|title=First coalitions established ahead of Kosovo elections|publisher=SETimes.com|access-date=2 February 2011}} The coalition nominated Mimoza Kusari-Lila as its prime ministerial candidate.{{cite web|url=http://www.behgjetisapacolli.de/|title=Behgjet Pacolli|publisher=Behgjetisapacolli.de|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718201829/http://www.behgjetisapacolli.de/|archive-date=18 July 2011|url-status=dead}}

The following parties were registered for the parliamentary elections:{{cite web|author=Visar Kastrati|url=http://www.kqz-ks.org/SKQZ-WEB/al/rrethkqz/lk.html|title=Central Election Commission of Kosovo|publisher=Kqz-ks.org|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103002302/http://www.kqz-ks.org/SKQZ-WEB/al/rrethkqz/lk.html|archive-date=3 November 2010|url-status=dead}}

As campaigning began President Jakup Krasniqi called on "all political parties to run their campaigns in accordance with the law." He said that "For a moment the whole world will look at us, to see our democratic culture and political maturity and the seriousness of a declared state that has so far been recognised by 72 countries."{{cite web|author=Petrit Collaku|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-election-campaign-kicks-off|title=Kosovo: Election Campaign Kicks Off|date=December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}} Incumbent Thaçi was expected to benefit from an election where his viable contenders were in disarray.{{cite web|last=Collaku|first=Petrit|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-premier-stands-to-profit-from-snap-poll|title=Kosovo Premier Stands to Profit From Snap Poll|date=10 November 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}}

Thaçi announced a pay increase of 30 per cent for 70,000 civil servants as well as a doubling of teachers' salaries during the electoral campaign.{{cite web|author=Petrit Collaku|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-pm-extends-pay-rise-promise|title=Kosovo Leader Unveils More Bumper Pay Hikes|date=December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}} Jose Sulemane, the head of the IMF in Kosovo, said such a pay increase would not viable without breaking the terms of a deal Thaçi signed that would limit pay increases to a maximum rise of public sector pay to 8 per cent. The agreement offered Kosovo a 110 million euro soft loan as a preliminary loan to 300 million euros more from the European Union and the World Bank over three years.{{cite web|author=Petrit Collaku|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/imf-thaci-s-pay-rises-could-break-budget-deal|title=Kosovo Pay Hikes Put IMF Deal at Risk|date=4 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}} Thaçi dismissed the criticism as saying Kosovo was a "sovereign country [that] sets its own economic policy" and that he would continue with his pledges.{{cite web|author=Petrit Collaku|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/pm-thaci-continues-with-promises-despite-imf-concerns|title=Kosovo PM Brushes off IMF Budget Concerns|date=7 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}}

The DPK, led by incumbent Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, was expected to narrowly win the election, though it would face difficulty in forming a stable government as its potential coalition partners, the Democratic League of Kosovo and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, ruled out working with his party.{{cite web|last=Marzouk|first=Lawrence|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/victors-face-coalition-wrangle-after-kosovo-election|title=Victors Face Coalition Wrangle After Kosovo Election|date=9 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}} The nationalist Vetëvendosje movement and the Liberal Democratic Fryma a Re (FER) were also expected to enter parliament for the first time after crossing the minimum 5% threshold.

The Central Electoral Commission came under pressure to work quickly for the snap polls with a "short windor for preparations." Amid concerns of removing ineligible voters in such a short time, about 6,000 people were taken off the voting lists. The head of the commission Valdete Daka said on this would be Kosovo's most strictly watched elections with thousands of local and international observers in attendance.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2010/11/15/nb-12|title=Kosovo election commission working on voter rolls|publisher=SETimes.com|date=15 November 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}} 1.6 million people were eligible to vote. About 5,000 civil society representatives and international missions were scheduled to monitor the election.{{cite web|author=Lawrence Marzouk|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-campaign-ends-with-pristina-rallies|title=Kosovo Campaign Ends With Rallies in Capital|date=11 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}}

Following a 21 November municipal election that was found to have had mistakes, the CEC,and the largest monitoring mission, Democracy in Action, admitted having made the mistakes in vote counting in Orahovac with second place being given to the wrong party. This raised concerns for the parliamentary election.{{Cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/poll-errors-raise-fears-for-kosovo-election|title=Poll Errors Raise Fears for Kosovo Election|date=26 November 2010}}

Though Serbia told Kosovan Serbs conditions were not right for the election, turnout was expected to be high in the Serb enclaves of Gračanica and Štrpce. Vuk Drašković, a former foreign minister in Serbia and leader of the Serbian Renewal Movement, urged Kosovan Serbs to vote.{{cite web|author=Petrit Collaku|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/former-belgrade-fm-calls-on-serbs-to-vote-in-kosovo-elections|title=Former Nationalist Firebrand Urges Kosovo Serbs To Vote|date=8 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}} The US ambassador also called on the Kosovan Serbs to vote,{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/us-ambassador-to-kosovo-calls-on-serbs-to-vote|title=US Ambassador to Kosovo Calls on Serbs To Vote|date=3 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}} as well as the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia who said voting in the polls would not deny them social welfare from Serbia. Several Serb organisation in both Serbia and Kosovo's Serbian areas said that continuing a boycott of elections was a denial of the ground reality.{{cite web|last=Karabairis|first=Apostolis|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/will-serbs-end-tradition-of-kosovo-election-boycotts|title=Will Serbs End Tradition of Kosovo Election Boycotts?|date=8 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}} However, some Kosovan Serb officials warned that mobile polling stations would be provocative and could lead to untoward incidents. The head of the Zvečan municipality near Kosovska Mitrovica, Dragiša Milović, said polling booths in Serb areas, including the police station were "unacceptable."{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/belgrade-ngos-call-on-kosovo-serbs-to-vote|title=Belgrade NGOs Call on Kosovo Serbs to Vote|date=3 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}}

Voting in the north would occur in temporary polling stations; while turnout was predicted to be low, Serbs in other areas of Kosovo were expected to have a big turnout.

Though the election passed off largely without incident, a Bosniak candidate who worked with the authorities in Pristina was shot dead in the northern city of Leposavić.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}

Although the first reports of the numerous observers of the election were positive,[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40638447/ns/world_news-europe/ EU observers praise Kosovo vote. MSNBC, 13.12.2010]{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} allegations of fraud later arose as an unusually large voter turnout was reported by LDK in some strongholds of the rival PDK. LDK spokesman said that the voting had been compromised in two PDK strongholds where turnout was "statistically impossible, logically unreasonable, politically unacceptable and legally contestable in Kosovo's reality" with 94 per cent compared to the national average of 48%. He further stated that LDK will use all legal means to bring legitimacy to the election.{{cite news|last=Bytyci|first=Fatos|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6BB04120101213|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216051902/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6BB04120101213|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 December 2010|title=Election rivals question Kosovo PM's victory claim. Reuters, 13.12.2010|publisher=Uk.reuters.com|date=13 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}} In some voting stations the turnout was beyond 100%.{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}}

The Election Complaint and Appeals Panel received 171 complaints from political entities over various violations, such as stuffing ballot boxes, multiple voting and defective verification ultraviolet lamps.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2010/12/14/nb-03|title=Voter fraud suspected in two Kosovo districts|publisher=Setimes.com|date=14 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}}

Chief State Prosecutor Ismet Kabashi called upon prosecutors from seven municipalities to collect evidence of fraud.{{cite web|url=http://www.telegrafi.com/?id=2&a=11911|title=(see translation on talk page)|publisher=Telegrafi.com|date=18 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}} Municipal officials were after a trial sentenced to 6 months of prison.{{Citation needed|date=November 2011}}

Within days of the election, the Council of Europe released a report accusing Thaçi of leading a "mafia like" crime ring that smuggled weapons, drugs and human organs. It said Serbians and some Albanian Kosovars civilians detained by the Kosovo Liberation Army were shot in northern Albania and their kidneys were sold on the black market. The report said that after the Kosovo war and before international forces could establish law and order "organs were removed from some prisoners at a clinic in Albanian territory, near Fushe-Kruje..." In response, the Kosovo government denounced the report.{{Cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/12/20101215102540433371.html|title=Breaking News, World News and Video from al Jazeera}}

;Organ theft allegations

On 12 December 2010, a draft[https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BD50G20101214 Reuters], 14 December 2010 report from Dick Marty to the Council of Europe was pre-released,{{cite web|url=http://assembly.coe.int/ASP/APFeaturesManager/defaultArtSiteView.asp?ID=964|title=Pace news|publisher=Assembly.coe.int|access-date=2 February 2011}} alleging that the Republic of Kosovo's prime minister, Hashim Thaçi was the head of a "mafia-like" group responsible for smuggling weapons, drugs and human organs through eastern Europe.{{cite news|last=Lawis|first=Paul|title=Kosovo PM is head of human organ and arms ring, Council of Europe reports|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/dec/14/kosovo-prime-minister-llike-mafia-boss|work=The Guardian|access-date=16 December 2010|location=London|date=14 December 2010}} This article made waves across the world and led to a series of similar reports.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/12/16/kosovo.organs/?hpt=T2|title=Kosovo must probe organ harvesting accusation, official says|work=CNN|publisher=CNN|access-date=16 December 2010|date=16 December 2010}}[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/12/20101215102540433371.html Al Jazeera], 15 December 2010[http://www.freitag.de/politik/1050-der-mythos-des-liberalen-interventionismus Freitag], "Der Mythos Des Liberalen Interventionismus"

The report came on the day of the second vote, and was accepted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which requested re-opening of a criminal investigation.[http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=01&dd=25&nav_id=72324 Resolution on Kosovo organ trafficking adopted] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127031735/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=01&dd=25&nav_id=72324 |date=27 January 2011 }} B92, 25 January 2011

Incumbent PM Hashim Thaçi claimed victory in the election before the result was certified by the CEC{{cite web|author=Rfe/Rl|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/kosovo_thaci_elections_serbia_eu_nato/2246691.html|title=Kosovo Prime Minister Thaci Declared Victor In Preliminary Election Results. Radio Free Europe, 14.12.2010|publisher=Rferl.org|access-date=2 February 2011}} with exit polls showing the Democratic Party of Kosovo won 31 per cent and the Democratic League of Kosovo followed with 25 per cent, though this was not yet certified by the CEC.{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/pm-thaci-declares-victory-in-kosovo-election|title=PM Thaci Declares Victory in Kosovo Election|date=13 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}}{{cite web|title=Hashim Thaci Claims Victory in Kosovo Elections|url=http://vaggi.de/de/nachrichten/europa-nachrichten/22811-hashim-thaci-claims-victory-in-kosovo-elections.html|access-date=13 December 2010}} {{dead link |date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Exit polls also indicated a 47% turnout.{{cite web|url=http://www.telegrafi.com/?id=2&a=11764|title=Dalja në votime 47.8% « Lajme|publisher=Telegrafi|access-date=2 February 2011}}

The two leading parties, DPK and LDK, were in the previous governing coalition.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/kosovo/8198189/Kosovo-elections-PM-wins-first-post-independence-vote.html Kosovo elections: PM wins first post-independence vote. The Telegraph, 13.12.2010]

{{Election results

|party1=Democratic Party of Kosovo|votes1=224339|seats1=34|sc1=–3

|party2=Democratic League of Kosovo|votes2=172552|seats2=27|sc2=+2

|party3=Vetëvendosje{{efn|Ran with Movement for Unification}}|votes3=88652|seats3=14|sc3=New

|party4=Alliance for the Future of Kosovo|votes4=77130|seats4=12|sc4=+2

|party5=New Kosovo Alliance|votes5=50951|seats5=8|sc5=–5|color5={{party color|New Kosovo Alliance}}

|party6=New Spirit Party|votes6=15156|seats6=0|sc6=New|color6=yellow

|party7=Democratic League of Dardania|votes7=14924|seats7=0|sc7=–11

|party8=Independent Liberal Party |votes8=14352|seats8=8|sc8=+5

|party9=Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo|votes9=8548|seats9=3|sc9=0

|party10=United Serbian List|votes10=6004|seats10=4|sc10=New

|party11=Vakat Coalition|votes11=5296|seats11=2|sc11=–1

|party12=Democratic Ashkali Party of Kosovo|votes12=2871|seats12=1|sc12=–2

|party13=New Democratic Party|votes13=2478|seats13=1|sc13=New

|party14=Bosniak Party of Democratic Action of Kosovo|votes14=1818|seats14=1|sc14=New

|party15=New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo|votes15=1690|seats15=1|sc15=0

|party16=Party of Democratic Action |votes16=1602|seats16=0|sc16=–2

|party17=Ashkali Party for Integration|votes17=1386|seats17=1|sc17=New

|party18=Kosovo Turkish Union|votes18=1364|seats18=0|sc18=New

|party19=League of Egyptians of Kosovo|votes19=1010|seats19=0|sc19=New

|party20=Serb Democratic Party of Kosovo and Metohija|votes20=1008|seats20=1|sc20=–2

|party21=Serbian Social Democratic Party|votes21=829|seats21=0|sc21=New

|party22=Civic Initiative of Gora|votes22=787|seats22=1|sc22=0

|party23=Montenegrin Democratic Party|votes23=771|seats23=0|sc23=New

|party24=Serb People's Party |votes24=749|seats24=0|sc24=–1

|party25=United Roma Party of Kosovo|votes25=690|seats25=1|sc25=0

|party26=Social Democratic Party of Gora|votes26=598|seats26=0|sc26=New

|party27=Serb Kosovo-Metohija Party|votes27=505|seats27=0|sc27=–1

|party28=Union of Independent Social Democrats of Kosovo and Metohija|votes28=486|seats28=0|sc28=–1

|party29=Civic Initiative National Wing|votes29=205|seats29=0|sc29=New

|total_sc=0

|invalid=29226

|blank=4780

|electorate=1632276

|source=[https://www.kqz-ks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1.-Rezultatet-e-p%C3%ABrgjithshme-sipas-Subjekteve-2010.pdf KQZ], [https://kqz-ks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Zgjedhjet-ne-Kosove-2000-2014_en.pdf KQZ]

}}

After reviewing the complaints, the Central Election Commission decided to have re-polling in 21 polling stations: 12 in Skenderaj, 5 in Drenas, 2 in Deçan and one each in Malishevë and Lipjan.{{cite web|author=Petrit Collaku|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-press-review-december-16-2010|title=Kosovo Press Review - December 16, 2010|date=16 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=17&nav_id=71575|title=News - Kosovo: Election repeat in 5 municipalities|publisher=B92|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104131856/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=17&nav_id=71575|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://infokosova.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=200&Itemid=1|title=Nachwahlen in Kosova - Kampagne gegen die UCK - Info, Kosova, Kosovo, News, Nachrichten, Informationen, Interviews|publisher=infoKosova.de|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719043948/http://infokosova.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=200&Itemid=1|archive-date=19 July 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://kosova-aktuell.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1665&Itemid=1|title=Kosova-Aktuell - Nachwahlen in Kosova- Kampagne gegen die UCK|publisher=Kosova-aktuell.de|access-date=2 February 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2010/12/20/feature-02|title=Five Kosovo municipalities to repeat election|publisher=SETimes.com|date=20 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}} The re-run took place on 9 January 2011.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6BF5BJ20101216|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721025216/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6BF5BJ20101216|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 July 2012|title=Kosovo to hold vote re-run in Thaci strongholds. Reuters, 17.12.2010|publisher=Uk.reuters.com|date=16 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011|first=Fatos|last=Bytyci}}

Reports indicated that the Serb-majority area around Mitrovicë had just two votes cast from a population of 60,000 by the time polls closed, one of which was in the Bosniak area. In Graçanicë, the municipal election commission predicted a 40 turnout. Other election day controversies included a polling station in Banjska being surrounded by more than 50 Serbs and a road to the village being blocked with 2 men arrested and the polling station later moved. A KFOR office in Zubin Potok was also shot at in the morning.{{cite web|author=Lawrence Marzouk|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/serbs-divided-on-kosovo-election-day|title=Serbs Divided on Kosovo Election Day|date=12 December 2010|publisher=Balkan Insight|access-date=2 February 2011}} However, a high turnout was reported by Serbs in enclaves in central Kosovo, who make up about two-thirds of the 120,000 ethnic Serb population.{{cite web|url=http://skynews.com.au/world/article.aspx?id=551886&vId=|title=Kosovo in gridlock as monitors cry foul. SkyNews, 14.12.2010|publisher=Skynews.com.au|date=14 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}}

• EU representatives called for a speedy formation of a new government.
• The head of European Parliament's observer team, Doris Pack said: "Serious allegations of fraud in two municipalities have been brought to the attention of the delegation." The EP delegation also added that "a generally well organised Election Day with a good voter turnout is encouraging for the continuous democratic development of Kosovo." They regarded the increased participation by Kosovo Serbs as a sign of further engagement with Kosovan institutions, but also expressed disappointment with the low voter turnout in northern Kosovo.
• The European Network of Election Monitoring Organisations said that the elections were orderly but that there were "some cases of breaches of procedures and irregularities."
• European Parliament reporter had stated that the elections were an organised manipulation{{cite web|url=http://in4s.net/index.php/politika/srbija-cg-srpska/4224-lunacek-izbori-na-kim-su-namjesteni|title=Луначек: Избори на КиМ су намjештени|publisher=In4s.net|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723154827/http://in4s.net/index.php/politika/srbija-cg-srpska/4224-lunacek-izbori-na-kim-su-namjesteni|archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=dead}}
• US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said: "The United States urges the Kosovo elections commission to address the few serious irregularities that did occur." Ambassador Christopher Dell said he had personally witnessed ballot stuffing.
• On 26. January 2011, after the election re-run in several districts, the US Ambassador to Kosovo Christopher Dell predicted that the new government will be formed before Kosovo Independence Day, 17 February, He also stated that "this is an important event for Kosovo. It is an important symbol to have a new, completely functional government on the third anniversary of the independence", adding that he'd like to see a government with a clear and coherent agenda.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2011/01/26/nb-06|title=US ambassador Dell predicts new Kosovo government by February 17th. 26/01/2011|publisher=SETimes|date=26 January 2011|access-date=2 February 2011}}
• The Russian Foreign Ministry said the election was illegal.{{cite web|url=http://itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=15791937&PageNum=0|title=Itar-Tass|publisher=Itar-Tass|access-date=2 February 2011}} {{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The Democratic Party of Kosovo needs at least two coalition partners. As it previous allies ruled out working with the party and the Vetëvendosje! movement considered too nationalistic to form a government, the New Kosovo Alliance and the minority parties Independent Liberal Party and the United Serbian List were seen the most likely coalition partners.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2010/12/15/feature-01|title=Election results questioned in Kosovo|publisher=SETimes.com|date=15 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}} The United Serbian List, however, rejected rumours about their participation in a DPK-led government on 16 December.{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=16&nav_id=71555|title=News - "K. Serbs won't join Thaci's government"|publisher=B92|date=16 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104132024/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=16&nav_id=71555|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=dead}}

The Democratic Party of Kosovo and the New Kosovo Alliance agreed on a coalition on 19 December.{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=19&nav_id=71619|title=News - Kosovo parties form coalition|publisher=B92|date=19 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221000957/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=19&nav_id=71619|archive-date=21 December 2010|url-status=dead}} However, this report was denied by Agim Çeku of the Social Democratic Party of Kosovo the next day.{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=20&nav_id=71637|title=News - "No agreement on new govt. in Priština"|publisher=B92|date=20 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223204626/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=20&nav_id=71637|archive-date=23 December 2010|url-status=dead}} However, the New Kosovo Alliance then said there would be no place in government for people under criminal investigation, in reference to the organ theft report.{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=22&nav_id=71676|title=News - AKR sets conditions for Thaci|publisher=B92|date=22 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224162542/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=22&nav_id=71676|archive-date=24 December 2010|url-status=dead}} The SLS said on 28 December that it would join a government led by the DPK.{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2010/12/29/nb-08|title=Kosovo Serb party ready to join forces with Thaci|publisher=SETimes.com|date=29 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011}} There were also rumours following the election that Hashim Thaçi would become president, while Mimoza Kusari-Lila would become PM.{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=20&nav_id=71644|title=News - Hashim Thaci, Kosovo's new president?|publisher=B92|date=20 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222012556/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=20&nav_id=71644|archive-date=22 December 2010|url-status=dead}} Behgjet Pacolli, leader of the New Kosovo Alliance stated, on 30 December, that he would either demand the office of president in return for entering a coalition with the PDK{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=30&nav_id=71831|title=News - AKR leader: Economic autonomy for north|publisher=B92|date=30 December 2010|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103003628/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=12&dd=30&nav_id=71831|archive-date=3 January 2011|url-status=dead}} or the ministries of Finance and Health.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}}

A deal between PDK and AKR was tentatively reached on 9 February 2011.{{Cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=09&nav_id=72621|title=B92 - News - "Thaci, Pacolli reach coalition agreement"|access-date=10 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211120805/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=09&nav_id=72621|archive-date=11 February 2011|url-status=dead}} However, some PDK members were reportedly unhappy with Pacolli becoming president, but would rather see acting president Jakup Krasniqi take over in a permanent capacity.{{Cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=10&nav_id=72651|title=B92 - News - Forming of Kosovo govt. called into question|access-date=10 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212060826/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=10&nav_id=72651|archive-date=12 February 2011|url-status=dead}} On 11 February, this was confirmed and Pacolli was offered the office of Assembly Speaker and Deputy Prime Minister, as well as four ministries for his AKR party, but not the office of President. Reportedly, the coalition will include only PDK, AKR and minority parties, as well as Ukë Rugova's Ibrahim Rugova List, totalling 65 MPs, a majority.{{Cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=11&nav_id=72662|title=B92 - News - PDK, AKR fail to reach agreement|access-date=12 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216205143/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=11&nav_id=72662|archive-date=16 February 2011|url-status=dead}} According to Koha Ditore, the PDK accepted Pacolli's demands{{which|date=November 2011}} on 13 February.{{Cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=13&nav_id=72693|title=B92 - News - Daily: PDK, AKR reach agreement|access-date=14 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216215748/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=13&nav_id=72693|archive-date=16 February 2011|url-status=dead}}

The distribution of ministries reported in the media foresees three ministries for the AKR party, two or three ministries for the ethnic Serb parties and one ministry each for other minorities and Ukë Rugova, with the rest going to Thaçi's PDK. Hashim Thaçi would be nominated for PM, Jakup Krasniqi as Assembly Speaker and Pacolli as president.{{cite web|url=http://www.emg.rs/en/news/serbia/147347.html|title=DPK agrees Pacoli be appointed as future Kosovo president :: EMG :: Business news from Serbia 2010}}

The coalition agreements, according to the foreign media, foresee that: The PDK will get a deputy prime minister and ten ministries, AKR would get a deputy prime minister and three ministries, the Serb minority party SLS would get the post of another deputy prime minister and three ministries, the Ibrahim Rugova List would get another deputy prime minister and a ministry and the other non-Serbian minorities (working together as the parliamentary group "6 plus") would also get a ministry.{{Cite web|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/7293343.html|title=Kosovo ruling party finds new coalition partner - People's Daily Online}}{{Cite web|url=http://derstandard.at/1297818443664/Thaci-koaliert-mit-Pacolli|title=DerStandard.at}}

The coalition agreement was finally signed on 20 February 2011 and the distribution of ministries was:{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=20&nav_id=72820|title=B92 - Info - Thaci, Pacolli sign coalition agreement|access-date=30 May 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104180330/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=02&dd=20&nav_id=72820|archive-date=4 November 2012}}

• The AKR will have Muhamet Mustafa as deputy prime minister. Agim Çeku in the Security Force Ministry, Ferid Agani in the Health Ministry and Mimoza Kusari-Lila in the Trade and Industry Ministry.
• Independent Liberal Party (SLS) leader Slobodan Petrović will be deputy prime minister and the SLS will get the Local Self-Government Ministry, Communities and Return Ministry and Labor and Social Welfare Ministry.
• The minorities' parties (Turks, Ashkalis and Egyptians) will get the Environment and Spatial Planning Ministry.

The agreement with the Ibrahim Rugova List would be signed later.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}}

{{Notelist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://kosovo.crowdmap.com/ Crowdmap for tracking issues with the election]
• [http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/tag-group-topics/kosovo-elections-2010 Kosovo election 2010] - from Balkan Insight.

{{Kosovan elections}}

{{Serbian elections|state=collapsed}}

Category:Parliamentary elections in Kosovo

Parliamentary

Kosovo

Kosovo