Kosovo’s parliament on Wednesday failed for a second time this month to elect a speaker, prolonging a political deadlock that has stalled the formation of new institutions after February’s election.
Lawmakers resumed the constitutive session after the Constitutional Court clarified that the vote for the speaker must be conducted openly. The ruling Vetëvendosje (Self-Determination) party, which won the most seats in the February election, put forward two candidates – acting Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu and acting Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla.
Both failed to secure the required 61 votes. Haxhiu received 57 votes in favour, 56 against and three abstentions – the same tally Gërvalla later obtained.
“The issue is not the candidate but an attempt to block the formation of institutions,” Vetëvendosje said after the vote.
The opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) reiterated it would only support a candidate from Vetëvendosje who was not part of the outgoing government. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) said Vetëvendosje knew in advance that Haxhiu and Gërvalla lacked sufficient backing. The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) said it expected the ruling party to continue nominating candidates without majority support.
The Social Democratic Initiative (Nisma) said its lawmakers would abstain unless a broader political agreement is reached.
Fatmir Limaj, leader of Nisma, told reporters that Vetëvendosje had an “obligation” to build a governing majority. “We expect the party with the right to propose to work hard on securing a parliamentary majority,” he said.
Political analyst Agon Maliqi wrote on Facebook that opposition parties had shown readiness to support a more consensual figure, noting that PDK’s condition was that the nominee not have served as minister.
The session will resume on Friday, Aug. 22.