PRISTINA – Leaders of Vetëvendosje (LVV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Albin Kurti and Lumir Abdixhiku, agreed on former judge of Constitutional Court Bekim Sejdiu as a joint presidential candidate, but the deal faces internal rebellion from six LDK MPs. The dissenting members of LDK opposed the candidate and broader political terms tied to the arrangement, criticizing leadership moves.
When asked if he would vote for Sejdiu in the Assembly of Kosovo, LDK MP Avdullah Hoti answered briefly to Gazeta Express: “No”.
“I do not support this candidacy for President of the Republic of Kosovo, not for personal reasons, but for a political and institutional principle… The President of the Republic must be a unifying figure, who builds consensus beyond party interests and represents the general interest of citizens. In my assessment, this candidacy does not meet this criterion”, Hoti subsequently wrote in a Facebook post.
In addition to Hoti, Lumir Abdixhiku announced that Hykmete Bajrami, Arben Gashi, Janina Ymeri, Armend Zemaj and Kujtim Shala are also against the agreement.
Abdixhiku criticized the “rebels” for threatening stability and pushing Kosovo toward new snap election, though party structures formally backed the choice.
“New elections were not on the LDK’s agenda. They were neither a demand nor a decision of our membership. But for months now, they have been the clear agenda of other political groups, which, it seems, are now successfully influencing our internal affairs as well. For this, I feel only regret! But not surrender. We are many. We are in the right. We have a duty. The Republic will nevertheless prevail”, he claimed.
For his part, Albin Kurti described the behaviour of six LDK MPs as “absurd”, it was reported by media in Kosovo. According to him, “the agreement with LDK on a joint presidential candidate, Professor Bekim Sejdiu remains in force”.
Kurti added that he will hold a new meeting with Lumir Abdixhiku.
Electing a president of Kosovo in the first two rounds requires 80 votes in the assembly. Even combining LVV’s 53 seats, minority seats (10), and the remaining loyal LDK votes (12), the coalition falls mathematically short of the 80 votes needed without “the rebellious” MPs.
