国际英语新闻：Kosovo completes first general elections after unilateral declaration of independence

PRISTINA, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Kosovo completed Sunday general elections process, the first major test for the territory that declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Most of the voting centers are closed at 7 p.m., except those with voters waiting to cast their vote in lines at the deadline.

In the northern part of the territory dominated by Serb- community, voting centers and mobile election teams ended the process at 4 p.m.(1500 GMT). Local Serbs oppose Pristina authority and refused to take part in the elections. In other parts Serbs participation was significant, especially in central and eastern Kosovo.

More than 1.6 million citizens had the right to cast their votes, and it is predicted that around 40 percent of them used their right to vote.

Some minor irregularities have been reported, including the lack of voting equipment, interfering in the process from unauthorized people, and attempts for double voting.

Ex-Prime minister Hashim Thaqi's PDK is expected to be the most voted party but with a strong challenge from its junior coalition partner LDK, with its new leader, Pristina's major Isa Mustafa.

No matter who comes first, it's hard for each leading party to form the government with only one political party.

First preliminary results are expected before midnight, and the final results in three to four days.