Kosovo detains 109 over alleged ballot manipulation as full recount deepens uncertainty
Kosovo authorities detained 109 people over alleged vote manipulation tied to the December parliamentary election, as the country proceeds with a full recount that is fueling fears of prolonged political instability.
- PUBLISHED
- UPDATED
Kosovo prosecutors said 109 people were detained on suspicion of manipulating ballots during the December 2025 parliamentary election, a case that has prompted election authorities to order a full recount.
Investigators alleged that intimidation, threats and bribery were used to influence results in Prizren, with prosecutors citing tens of thousands of ballots potentially affected in that municipality.
Officials indicated the overall outcome is not expected to change because the alleged wrongdoing centers on intra-party candidate tallies rather than party totals, but the recount is stoking concerns that political gridlock could continue.
With major institutional deadlines approaching in 2026, the case is amplifying uncertainty over government formation and the country’s broader reform path.