Kusari-Lila warns of complicated negotiations, Halilaj highlights lack of cooperation with the winner as the main challenge

On July 6, the Central Election Commission is expected to certify the results of the June 7 elections, while until that moment no talks are expected between political entities on the election of Kosovo’s new president and the establishment of institutions.

Acting Prime Minister and leader of the winning party, Albin Kurti, told the media today that the process is currently awaiting the completion of the certification of results and the review of complaints.

He stressed that only after this step will the necessary political discussions begin.

“First we must wait for the certification of the election results, and the handling of complaints, and then without losing time we will have the necessary communications and discussions,” Kurti said.

On the other hand, acting Trade Minister Mimoza Kusari-Lila believes that difficult talks lie ahead for the winning party and the other parties.

On Wednesday, she said that the coalition she represents will present an official position and that she expects the other entities to do the same, since so far, according to her, only general statements have been heard from party representatives and not official decisions, with the exception of the Alliance.

According to Kusari-Lila, the political developments after the June 7 elections appear more complicated than in previous processes, because more than one position is being seen within the other parties regarding possible political agreements or coalitions.

She assessed that this situation makes it more difficult to create new institutions and reach an agreement.

“Up to now, what I have heard, at least, have been general statements from party representatives, but not at the level of decisions by these parties. I exclude people from the Alliance, which has come out concretely. At the moment of certification of the results, official communication with official positions should begin. In our case it is the leader of the largest party in the coalition, Prime Minister Albin Kurti. In other positions are party leaders, who should present the party’s official position, but also that of the group of deputies they have. Because the situation is a bit more complicated than in past elections, when today from one parliamentary grouping or from one political entity there are two or three positions. This is greatly complicating and will complicate the constitution of institutions or an agreement between the election-winning entity and the other parties,” Kusari said.

Gazmend Halilaj, a member of the “Guxo” Movement, told the newspaper “Bota sot” that Kusari-Lila’s statement realistically reflects the current political situation.

He underlined that LVV, as the winner of the elections, has the duty to hold talks with all parliamentary entities, while the other parties must also place the interest of the state above party calculations.

“The statement by acting Trade Minister Mimoza Kusari-Lila that the country faces difficult negotiations after the certification of the election results is a realistic reflection of the political situation, but at the same time it does not diminish the fact that the Vetëvendosje Movement remains the force with the greatest citizen legitimacy and with the first right to lead the process of forming institutions. As the winner of the elections, LVV has the responsibility to hold talks with all parliamentary entities, while the other parties also have the responsibility to place the state interest above party calculations. Despite the statements so far, politics is the art of compromise and negotiations often bring new dynamics, especially when it comes to creating functional institutions,” Halilaj said.

According to him, the main problem lies in the lack of willingness of some parties to cooperate with the winner of the elections.

Halilaj warned that if a political agreement is not reached in the first weeks after certification, the country could face delays in the constitution of institutions.

“The main obstacle remains the lack of willingness of some parties to cooperate with the winner of the elections, as well as differences in political programs and demands over the division of institutional responsibilities. However, public pressure for stability and the functioning of institutions is expected to influence the parties to reflect. If a political agreement is not reached in the first weeks after certification, the country risks facing delays in the constitution of institutions, in the approval of important decisions and in advancing development and integration processes. Such a situation would create political and institutional uncertainty, but at the same time would increase expectations for political entities to show maturity and responsibility. In this context, LVV has the opportunity to prove that it is ready to build bridges of cooperation on the basis of its program, the public interest and respect for the will of the citizens, aiming to create a stable and effective government,” the member added.

In the June 7 elections, the Vetëvendosje Movement, in a pre-election coalition with Guxo and Alternativa, came first with 47.13% and 53 seats. The Democratic Party of Kosovo won 19.44% and 22 seats, the Democratic League of Kosovo 16.69% and 18 seats, while the Alliance won 6.74% and seven seats.