Kosovo’s government lost a no confidence [press release, in Albanian] on Wednesday. In a 78-34 vote [Reuters report], the Kosovo Assembly [official website] adopted a no confidence motion against Prime Minister Isa Mustafa’s coalition government. Within hours of the vote, President Hashim Thaci dissolved the parliament. The outcome of the government’s collapse will push an election, which was not due until next year, up to June 11, 2017. Opposition to Mustafa’s administration blamed the cabinet for not following through with pledges made during their campaign three years ago. The cabinet was also unable to secure a parliamentary majority to pass a boarder demarcation deal with Montenegro. Opposition to the coalition claimed that Kosovo would lose territory under the agreement. Completing the deal is the final obstacle before the European Union will lift its requirement of needing a visa to travel to Kosovo. The election will delay both the deal and relations with Serbia that will further progress for both countries in gaining membership to the European Union.

Kosovo split from Serbia in 1999 following a campaign of ethnic cleansing directed against Albanians by Serbian forces. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and has been attempting to establish itself as a country since. Last month the EU appointed [JURIST report] 19 International judges to the Specialist Chambers, effectively beginning the creation of the court. The court will serve a vital need, as suspected war criminals continue to be prosecuted in the region. In March the Kosovo Specialist Chambers [official website] adopted Rules of Procedure and Evidence [JURIST report] which allowed it to begin functioning. In January Kosovo indicted [JURIST report] an ex-guerrilla for war crimes committed in connection with Serbian forces. Also in January a French Court of Appeals ordered the release of the ex-PM [JURIST report] of Kosovo, with orders to stay in the country, until it reviewed an extradition order from Serbia.