The Kosovo Judicial Council has once again failed to elect its new chairperson due to a lack of quorum, prolonging the institutional deadlock.
Council member Rrustem Thaqi, who is also one of the candidates, expressed concern over the repeated failure, stressing that the priority is not who gets elected, but that the position is filled.
He emphasized that the process must remain merit-based, transparent, and free from external influence:
“It is extremely important that the chairperson is elected. This process must be meritocratic, with free and democratic voting, and without pressure from political structures or interest groups.”
Thaqi warned that any coordination with political actors or interest groups directly undermines the integrity of the process and the independence of the judiciary.
Meanwhile, council member Artan Abazi criticized the absence of members, particularly judges who failed to attend despite being notified in advance, calling for accountability and respect for institutional responsibilities.
The council had opened the call for applications on March 12, with candidates including Thaqi from the Supreme Court and another judge from the Court of Appeals.
According to KGJK regulations, the positions of chairperson and deputy chairperson must be filled within 30 days of becoming vacant—raising further urgency as delays continue.
