The proposal from the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) to hold early parliamentary elections concurrently with local elections on the same date is not being well-received by other political parties in Kosovo. Both the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) believe that the results of the February 9 elections obligate Vetëvendosje to form the new institutions.
During a meeting of political parties with President Vjosa Osmani, discussions primarily revolved around the date for local elections, with Vetëvendosje offering a different proposition.
“There was an idea to announce both elections, both extraordinary and local,” stated Albulena Haxhiu.
However, the request for early parliamentary elections to be held on the same day as local elections, due to the political crisis, is not appealing to other parties.
The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has stated that while they are not afraid of new elections, they currently believe that the priority is to realize the will of the citizens expressed in the February 9 elections.
“Every political party is ready to enter an electoral process, but the logic of successive electoral processes is not common in this country. Therefore, political animosities should be set aside, and political maturity is needed for a political agreement, and this belongs to the first [party],” said Krenar Xhaferi, an LDK MP.
A similar assessment comes from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK).
“In principle, I don’t believe we should go to national elections now. Secondly, I don’t believe there are conditions, nor will other opposition entities agree with this concept of LVV. And, thirdly, LVV has a constitutional obligation to create the institutions,” said Ferat Shala, a PDK MP.
Political analyst Albinot Maloku assesses that other parties are not obligated to accept Vetëvendosje’s request. “Other entities do not consider it necessary for the process to occur with the local process; consequently, they are not obligated to fulfill this request and expectation of LVV,” Maloku stated.
For the date of local elections, three dates were discussed: October 5, 12, and 19. President Vjosa Osmani is expected to choose one of them.
