Elected deputies are set to convene for the thirty-ninth continuation of the constitutive session of the ninth legislature today at 11:00 AM. This follows yesterday’s meeting of party leaders, which failed to produce any concrete agreement to resolve the country’s political gridlock. The stalemate persists because the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV), Guxo, and Alternativa lack the necessary votes for Albulena Haxhiu to become the Assembly Speaker.
Conflicting Interpretations of Constitutional Court Ruling
LVV, Guxo, and Alternativa have accused the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) of misinterpreting the recent Constitutional Court judgment regarding the Assembly’s constitution. They insist on forming a commission to oversee a secret voting process.
PDK Chairman Memli Krasniqi stated that proceeding with the current session format for proposing and voting on a secret ballot commission would be a constitutional violation. Meanwhile, LDK Chairman Lumir Abdixhiku warned that disrespecting the Constitutional Court’s decision on resolving the political crisis is the first step towards undermining the constitutional order, placing blame squarely on Albin Kurti and the Vetëvendosje Movement.
Conversely, Kurti stated that PDK and LDK have “misread” the Constitutional Court’s judgment. He reiterated that if Albulena Haxhiu is not elected Assembly Speaker via secret ballot, she would withdraw her candidacy.
The Constitutional Court’s ruling on Thursday stipulated that the ninth legislature has a one-month deadline to constitute itself by electing the Speaker and Deputy Speakers.
