The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has been divided over the nomination of Bekim Sejdiu as a candidate for President of Kosovo, with party leader Lumir Abdixhiku warning that the internal disagreement could push the country toward new extraordinary elections.
 |
| Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) chairman Lumir Abdixhiku, who warned that internal opposition from six MPs regarding the presidential nomination of Bekim Sejdiu could push Kosovo toward extraordinary elections. |
According to Abdixhiku, the LDK leadership had unanimously approved Sejdiu's nomination before asking the party's parliamentary group to support the candidate.
Six LDK MPs vote against Sejdiu
Abdixhiku expressed disappointment that six LDK MPs voted against the party leadership's decision.
The MPs reported to have opposed the nomination are Avdullah Hoti, Hykmete Bajrami, Arben Gashi, Armend Zemaj, Kujtim Shala and Janina Ymeri.
“Bekim Sejdiu was known as an extraordinary Rugovist, as a person who has worked with dignity,” Abdixhiku said following the parliamentary group meeting.
He added that the entire LDK leadership had unanimously voted in favor of Sejdiu's candidacy and subsequently invited LDK MPs to support him in the presidential process.
Abdixhiku warns of extraordinary elections
The LDK leader argued that the internal opposition to Sejdiu could have consequences extending beyond the party itself.
According to Abdixhiku, the six MPs' decision could harm the wider political process and potentially send Kosovo toward extraordinary parliamentary elections.
“In this phase, I think they are harming the entire process and in this way they are sending the country to extraordinary elections,” Abdixhiku said.
He warned that any new election process triggered by the presidential deadlock would have significant consequences for Kosovo.
“Any name we brought would have faced the same reaction”
Abdixhiku also suggested that the disagreement may not necessarily be about Sejdiu's individual qualifications.
According to the LDK chairman, he has the impression that any candidate proposed by the party leadership could have faced similar opposition from the dissenting MPs.
“At this stage, the declaration is about the figure. I have the impression that whatever name we brought would have received such a reaction,” Abdixhiku said.
The comments point to a deeper political disagreement within the LDK at a critical moment for Kosovo's institutions.
Presidential vote remains crucial
Bekim Sejdiu, a former Constitutional Court judge, diplomat and professor, was proposed for the presidency as part of the political agreement involving LDK and VETËVENDOSJE!.
His candidacy now faces an important test in the Assembly of Kosovo, where political support will be essential for completing the presidential election process.
The split within the LDK adds another layer of uncertainty to an already fragile political situation.
If the parties fail to secure the necessary votes for a president, Kosovo could once again face an institutional crisis and potentially return to the polls.
The coming parliamentary and presidential developments will determine whether the agreement surrounding Sejdiu can survive the opposition from within the LDK itself.