Exit poll: Ruling party leads Kosovo elections

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — An independent exit poll is showing Prime Minister Hashim Thaci’s party leading in the Kosovo election.

The exit poll conducted Sunday by Kosovo-based Gani Bobi Center shows Mr. Thaci’s Democratic Party of Kosovo 6 percent ahead of former coalition partners Democratic League of Kosovo, giving Mr. Thaci the upper hand in forming a government. Official results are expected Monday.

According to the poll, Mr. Thaci won 31 percent, with the LDK, or Democratic League of Kosovo, trailing with 25 percent of the vote and newcomer Albin Kurti winning 17 percent in his political debut.

Mr. Kurti advocates Kosovo’s unification with Albania and opposes any talks with Serbia.