In the race for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Enver Hoxhaj has confirmed his candidacy against Bedri Hamza. Analysts remain divided on the implications of this contest. Some view the process as primarily a planned handover rather than a genuine competitive race, while others suggest that additional candidates could enter the race.
Hoxhaj openly expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the party’s extraordinary convention, criticizing the short notice following Memli Krasniqi’s resignation.
“Rushing the convention does not guarantee a quality competition,” Hoxhaj said.
Nevertheless, Hoxhaj confirmed his intention to run against Hamza to lead Kosovo’s second-largest political party. His announcement came just hours after publicly opposing the early scheduling of the convention.
Political analyst Adrian Zeqiri interprets the process as indicating that PDK may not be aiming for an internal contest:
“What is happening seems more like a handover from Mr. Memli Krasniqi to Mr. Bedri Hamza rather than a genuine internal party election. The party appears to prefer proceeding with a single candidate, as it is currently in a transitional phase and awaiting the return of historic leaders.”
On the other hand, political observer Kolë Krasniqi believes that Hoxhaj’s candidacy signals an openness to a second option for leadership and expects that more candidates may come forward:
“I believe these two are not the only candidates. Information circulating in public suggests that other individuals may present their candidacies. Despite the accelerated timing of the leadership transition, the party’s electorate clearly understands its orientation and has confidence in the next four years.”
The extraordinary PDK convention to elect the new party leader is scheduled for Monday, November 17, five days after Memli Krasniqi stepped down.
