Almost half of Kosovo’s 38 municipalities will hold run-off mayoral elections on Sunday, with the results expected to offer a major hint as to what the big parties can expect as they edge towards a potential snap general election.

Up for grabs are the capital, Pristina, and 17 other municipalities, including the urban centres of Prizren in the south, South Mitrovica in the north, Peja/Pec and Gjakova/Djakovica in the west and Gjilan/Gnjilane in the east.

The results will give a taste of what might come if the ruling Vetevendosje party’s pick for prime minister, Glauk Konjufca, fails to secure a majority in parliament by November 19, forcing a snap election.

Kosovo held its last general election in February, but Vetevendosje lost its majority and deep political division led to months of impasse, delaying the inauguration of parliament. No party has shown any significant interest in cobbling together a ruling alliance, and Vetevendosje – in government for the past four years – has long looked like it is simply holding out for another election.

Political analyst Shenoll Muharremi identified two mayoral run-offs as the ones to watch.

“Run-offs in Pristina and South Mitrovica will potentially have a big impact on the spirit of the parliamentary elections, which are supposed to be held next month,” Muharremi told BIRN.

“If Vetevendosje loses both these municipalities, then it will be in an uncomfortable position for national elections.”