After more than a month of political deadlock, the Kosovo Assembly has taken a step towards constituting the 11th legislature. Deputies have elected Albulena Haxhiu as Speaker of the Assembly.
Haxhiu received 62 votes in favor, while 16 MPs voted against her candidacy.
“Thank you for the support!” she said.
The constitutive session was chaired by Avni Dehari, while the election of the deputy speakers of the Assembly is also on the agenda.
Haxhiu’s election comes after a long period of political deadlock, during which the Assembly failed to complete the constitution process within the constitutional deadline. The 30-day deadline expired on August 7, while the last session was held a day later.
The continuation of the session was called after the agreement reached between the Vetëvendosje Movement and the Democratic League of Kosovo regarding the presidential issue.
According to the agreement, university professor Bekim Sejdiu has been proposed as a joint candidate for president, although the agreement has been opposed by six LDK MPs, raising questions about securing the necessary votes.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the LDK have confirmed their participation in the session, while the Alliance has decided not to participate, arguing that the process is not being conducted in accordance with constitutional procedures.
After the election of the Speaker, the MPs are expected to continue with the procedure for electing the five Deputy Speakers of the Assembly. To conclude the constitution process, these positions must also be filled.
The election of the President and Vice-Presidents will pave the way for the full functioning of the Assembly and further steps towards the formation of Kosovo’s new institutions.
© BalkansWeb