Lidhja Demokratike e Kosovës (LDK) Secretary-General Ilir Ferati said the party’s Extraordinary Assembly would demonstrate “the best exercise of democracy” through a secret ballot, as delegates prepare to vote on a motion seeking the dismissal of the party leadership.
Speaking shortly before the assembly convened on Thursday, Ferati said the extraordinary gathering had been called in accordance with the party’s statute after the required number of delegates submitted a motion.
“We expect to witness the best exercise of a democratic right—the secret ballot—on the motion submitted by the initiating delegates seeking dismissal. They fulfilled the statutory requirements to convene such an assembly, and the party presidency organized it within a record timeframe, respecting all statutory provisions. Rather than using the full 60-day deadline, the assembly is being held on the 15th day,” Ferati said.
He noted that all technical preparations had been completed and that delegates were expected to begin arriving before the session, which would focus on a single agenda item—the motion submitted by the initiators.
Asked whether the proceedings would include an open debate, Ferati replied that LDK has long promoted democratic discussion within the party.
“LDK is a home of democratic and political debate, so the discussion will certainly be open,” he said.
Ferati expressed confidence that the assembly would proceed democratically, describing it as a continuation of the party’s long-standing tradition of resolving internal disagreements through debate and secret voting.
“The assembly is a democratic mechanism for resolving differing opinions through arguments and debate. Ultimately, decisions are determined by the democratic majority through a secret ballot, a practice that LDK has cultivated over several assemblies,” he said.
When asked whether he expected the motion to receive more votes in favor or against, Ferati declined to speculate, saying the outcome should be left to the delegates.
“I believe that is a leading question, and any answer from me would be subjective. There are only a few hours left until the assembly decides through a secret vote, so I don’t think there is any need for me to comment further. My position has already been clear for some time,” he added.
The Extraordinary Assembly comes amid internal divisions within LDK, with delegates set to determine the future direction of one of Kosovo’s largest opposition parties through a confidential vote.
