Record low turnout under 45 percent in Kosovo election

PRISTINA, Serbia (Reuters) - Turnout in Saturday's parliamentary election in Kosovo was under 45 percent, the lowest recorded since the 1998-99 war, Central Election Commission and international officials said.

United Nations administrator Joachim Ruecker and election commission chief Mazllum Baraliu told a news conference the overall turnout was "between 40 and 45 percent".

Analysts say the turnout -- compared with 53 percent in 2004 -- reflects disappointment among Kosovo Albanians with the perceived failure of their leaders to deliver independence from Serbia or provide jobs and economic development.