He addressed supporters hours after an exit poll gave Mr Thaci's Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) 31% of the vote.

Its main rival and ex-junior coalition partner, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), was second with 25%.

If the results are confirmed, Mr Thaci will need support from other parties to form a government.

The newcomer Self-Determination Party, led by student activist-turned-politician Albin Kurti, was in third place with 16%.