The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Avdullah Hoti called on political parties to agree as soon as possible on electing the President, as according to him “even January is late”.
Kosovo was left with an Acting President since November 5 when Hashim Thaci resigned after the indictment on war crimes was confirmed against him by The Hague- based Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
The Constitution of Kosovo specifies that the position of Acting President “may not be exercised for a period longer than six (6) months”, meaning that by April 2021 a new President should be elected.
Hoti said that the Constitution of Kosovo is very clear and this situation can not be longer than six months.
“…but we should not wait until the last day,” Hoti stated during a press conference on Monday.
“We must take care to be on time so that the country is not left without institutions. I believe that January is too late [for resolving the situation],” he added.
The ruling Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) suggests that the president can be elected as a result of a political agreement between parties. While the other ruling partner, Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), considers its leader Ramush Haradinaj as the only candidate for president.
However, with the opposition Vetevendosje insisting for elections and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) giving signals they will not support Haradinaj’s candidacy, the country might go to snap elections.
Based on Constitution, the President shall be elected by a two-thirds majority out of 120 deputies of the Assembly.
If a two-thirds majority is not reached by any candidate in the first two ballots, a third ballot takes place between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes in the second ballot, and the candidate who receives the majority of all deputies of the Assembly shall be elected.
If none of the candidates is elected, the Assembly shall dissolve and new elections shall take place within 45 days.
