Kosovo’s deputies will convene today for the 38th attempt to constitute the Assembly, a process that has been stalled by the ongoing failure to elect a Speaker. This new effort follows a Constitutional Court ruling on Thursday stating that the constitutive session of the ninth legislature must conclude within 30 days at the latest.
However, political parties have emerged with varying interpretations of the Court’s decision.
Party Interpretations of the Ruling
Vetëvendosje (LVV): The largest party, LVV, asserts that the obligation to constitute the Assembly rests with all deputies, not just the leading party. They also believe that the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers are of equal importance, and that secret voting does not violate the Constitution. LVV views the ruling as a green light for secret voting.
Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK): PDK leader Memli Krasniqi welcomed the judgment, stating it “must be implemented immediately. The sooner, the better for the country.” Krasniqi claimed the decision “ends the game of delays” by the VV-Guxo-Alternativa coalition, making it clear they “have no right to block the process.”
Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK): LDK called on the presiding member of the constitutive session to respect constitutional provisions and the Assembly’s rules of procedure, advocating for a return to the agreed-upon scenario for the session, including proceeding with an open vote. They emphasized that the essence of the decision is open voting, consensus, and compromise.
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK): AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj urged all deputies to implement the Constitutional Court’s decision, noting that the Court has created a legal basis “to emerge from the created deadlock.” He emphasized that their initial request to the Constitutional Court was for the country’s interest and the implementation of the electoral will, not for partisan gains.
Session Details
Today’s session is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM. The previous 37 attempts have failed to elect the Speaker and five Deputy Speakers, despite the constitutive session commencing on April 15. The Constitutional Court’s decision underscored that the session remains unfulfilled without these elections and that it should have concluded within 30 days of the official election results being certified on March 27.
