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Kosovo holds parliamentary elections Kosovo holds parliamentary elections
(about 2 hours later)
People in Kosovo are voting in parliamentary elections, seen as a vital test for the country's EU bid. People in Kosovo have voted in parliamentary elections, seen as a vital test for the country's EU bid.
The prime minister and former rebel chief, Hashim Thaci, of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), is hoping for a third term in office.The prime minister and former rebel chief, Hashim Thaci, of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), is hoping for a third term in office.
But he is facing a strong challenge from the Democratic League of Kosovo.But he is facing a strong challenge from the Democratic League of Kosovo.
For the first time since Kosovo's self-declared independence in 2008, Serbia is encouraging ethnic Serbs to vote, a move which will help EU membership. For the first time since Kosovo's self-declared independence in 2008, Serbia encouraged ethnic Serbs to vote, a move which will help EU membership.
The elections follow last year's agreement to normalise relations between Belgrade and Pristina as a pre-condition for their bids to become members of the EU.The elections follow last year's agreement to normalise relations between Belgrade and Pristina as a pre-condition for their bids to become members of the EU.
Kosovo: At a glanceKosovo: At a glance
All parties support Kosovo's ambition to join the EU.All parties support Kosovo's ambition to join the EU.
Four hours before the end of voting, national turnout had reached around 25%, although areas of North Kosovo, with large ethnic Serbian populations, have recorded fewer voters.Four hours before the end of voting, national turnout had reached around 25%, although areas of North Kosovo, with large ethnic Serbian populations, have recorded fewer voters.
Not all polling stations have submitted early turnout figures, however, so the actual turnout could be higher. Kosovo's last national election in 2010 saw a turnout of 47.8%.Not all polling stations have submitted early turnout figures, however, so the actual turnout could be higher. Kosovo's last national election in 2010 saw a turnout of 47.8%.
There have been no instances of the violence that blighted Kosovo's last two national polls.There have been no instances of the violence that blighted Kosovo's last two national polls.
Polling stations opened at 05:00 GMT and close at 17:00 GMT. Polling stations opened at 05:00 GMT and closed at 17:00 GMT.
Mass unemploymentMass unemployment
Almost 30,000 monitors are in Kosovo to prevent a repeat of the fraud which also marred the last election, the BBC's Balkans correspondent Guy De Launey reports.Almost 30,000 monitors are in Kosovo to prevent a repeat of the fraud which also marred the last election, the BBC's Balkans correspondent Guy De Launey reports.
In 2010, diplomats and election monitors witnessed ballot-stuffing and other irregularities, and voting had to be held again at more than 20 polling stations, our correspondent says.In 2010, diplomats and election monitors witnessed ballot-stuffing and other irregularities, and voting had to be held again at more than 20 polling stations, our correspondent says.
Kumrje Sahiti, an Albanian voter from Pristina, told the Associated Press she just hoped the best candidate would win.Kumrje Sahiti, an Albanian voter from Pristina, told the Associated Press she just hoped the best candidate would win.
"I am hoping for progress in economy, agriculture and education,", she said."I am hoping for progress in economy, agriculture and education,", she said.
Agron Bajrami, a local newspaper editor, said it was impossible to predict the outcome.Agron Bajrami, a local newspaper editor, said it was impossible to predict the outcome.
"Today's elections in Kosovo are all about the economy," he said."Today's elections in Kosovo are all about the economy," he said.
"It is maybe the first time since we declared independence that we are talking only about the wellbeing of people and the unemployment, which is very high.""It is maybe the first time since we declared independence that we are talking only about the wellbeing of people and the unemployment, which is very high."
About two out of three under-25s are currently jobless, and nearly 50% of Kosovo's 1.8 million people are considered to be poor.About two out of three under-25s are currently jobless, and nearly 50% of Kosovo's 1.8 million people are considered to be poor.
Although Belgrade still rejects Kosovo's independence, it is encouraging the ethnic Serb community to take part in the elections.Although Belgrade still rejects Kosovo's independence, it is encouraging the ethnic Serb community to take part in the elections.
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has said it would be "unwise" for ethnic Serbs to abstain.Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has said it would be "unwise" for ethnic Serbs to abstain.