LDK at a crossroads: Call for an Extraordinary Assembly and new elections

Kosovo Democratic League MP Armend Zemaj has called for the convening of an Extraordinary Assembly of the party and the organization of internal elections, assessing this as the only step to return the LDK to success.

In a public statement, Zemaj addressed the party leader to take this action, amid internal debates that have intensified after recent political developments.

“My most honest appeal to the LDK chairman is to meet, call an Extraordinary Assembly and announce extraordinary elections, so that we pave the way for future victories of the LDK,” he said.

This request comes at a time when critical voices against the party leadership have multiplied, prompting discussions about the necessity of reforming and reorganizing the leadership structures.

Former MP candidate Blerim Sinani, in a response to the newspaper, stressed that the LDK must adhere to its Statute and that the Extraordinary Assembly process should be conducted in a democratic spirit. He appreciated the fact that the Presidency has begun preparations as a sign of respecting party rules.

“The LDK clearly defines in its Statute the procedure for calling an Extraordinary Assembly. If the legal conditions are met, it is in the party’s interest that the process be guided by the principles of internal democracy. The fact that the Presidency immediately started preparations shows that the LDK respects the Statute and remains the most democratic subject in the country,” Sinani said.

He added that delegates should have the final say on leadership, after a thorough discussion on the electoral result and the party’s future. Sinani stressed that the decision should be based on the best plan for the development of the LDK.

“Regarding the leadership issue, I believe the final word should be given by the delegates. They are the ones who expressed their will just a few months ago and have the legitimacy to determine the best path for the LDK. I believe that before voting, an open discussion is necessary not only about the electoral result but also about the future vision. Delegates have the right to be informed about the current leadership’s platform, the next steps and the approach in negotiations for the formation of institutions. In the end, the decision should be based not only on what has happened, but also on the conviction of what is the most favorable plan to move the LDK forward,” he concluded.

Political analyst Vesel Makolli, in a statement to the newspaper, assessed that the LDK needs reflection, unity and a democratic process to overcome the internal crisis. He underlined that the party leader must enjoy broad support and that the party should focus on the program, not on personal clashes.

“The situation in the LDK is alarming. Another assembly like that of ‘Chairs’ would mark the end of this party. The party urgently needs deep reflection, unity and a credible democratic process, where the leadership race is conducted with dignity, respecting different opinions and focusing on the program, not on personal conflicts. The membership and the citizens of Kosovo expect a vision, ideas and alternatives for governance, not internal quarrels that undermine trust in the party. The LDK, as one of the parties with the longest tradition in Kosovo, has the responsibility to preserve democratic culture and emerge from the crisis with stronger institutions, not with new divisions. If past mistakes are repeated, the consequences could be severe both for the party and for the electorate that desires a united and serious LDK,” Makolli emphasized.

He added that a distinction must be made between the trust a state leader must have and that which a party leader must have from the membership. According to him, a state leader with over 50% of popular support has strong legitimacy, but the standard for a party leader is higher. He must enjoy much broader support within the membership, because his role is to unite and represent the overwhelming majority of the structures.

“If the membership’s trust falls below 80%, the leader should seriously reconsider his work, approach and decisions. And when support drops below 60%, as happened in the last confidence vote for the LDK chairman and now with the collection of 43% of signatures for the General Assembly, this is a clear sign that trust has been severely damaged. In these circumstances, urgent actions must be taken that serve unity, the restoration of trust and the priority of party and state interest over any personal interest. No one should be bigger than the LDK itself, because this party has an extraordinary history and an irreplaceable role in building the state of Kosovo,” he continued.

Makolli stressed that in any democratic party, responsibility for the electoral result begins with the chairman. When the electorate’s trust drops and the party fails to return as a winning alternative, resignation should not be seen as weakness, but as an act of political and moral responsibility.

“In this context, Armend Zemaj’s call is a sincere appeal to the LDK chairman to convene an Extraordinary Assembly and announce extraordinary elections, to pave the way for LDK’s victories. This action would be in the interest of the LDK membership and supporters, of Kosovo and of chairman Abdixhiku himself, for whom an eventual dismissal by the General Assembly would mark the end of his political career,” he concluded.