Kosovo’s first election since independence from Serbia has ended peacefully, with some minority Serbs ignoring a call to boycott and casting ballots alongside ethnic Albanians.

The elections for city councils and mayors in 36 municipalities were seen as a key test of the fledgling state’s viability following its contested declaration of independence in February last year.

Hours after polls closed, Kosovo prime minister Hashim Thaci claimed his party won a convincing victory. Preliminary results are expected later today.