Ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America to Prishtina have asked Kosovo’s political leaders to focus on electing a new president.
Congratulating the newly elected government and Assembly, the QUINT states’ ambassadors urged all political parties to play a responsible role in recognising the results of the 14 February election as a mandate from the people for effective government.
“In this time of pandemic and economic challenges, Kosovo needs purposeful leadership and functioning governing institutions that ensure stability, including the Presidency,” their joint statement issued on Tuesday reads.
“Addressing these challenges will require political party leaders and elected MPs to now put the needs of Kosovo citizens above political partisanship and for the opposition and government to work together on shared priorities, the first task being the election of a new President,” they say.
Vetevendosje Movement led by the newly elected Prime Minister, Albin Kurti won the parliamentary elections with over 50%.
However, electing the new president is one of the obstacles the ruling party will face, as according to the Constitution it needs two-third of votes or the support of 80 MPs.
Vetevendosje itself won 58 seats in parliament and it already has the support of the non-Serb minorities, represented with 10 MPs.
According to the Constitution of Kosovo, 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 as President of the Republic of Kosovo.
If none of the candidates is elected on the third ballot, the Assembly shall dissolve and new elections shall take place within 45 days.
Former Speaker of Parliament and former Acting President, Vjosa Osmani is Vetevendosje’s candidate for President.
