Kosovo’s former president urges compromise to break political deadlock ahead of election

Kosovo's Former President Urges Compromise to Break Political Deadlock Ahead of Election

Kosovo s former president urges compromise - Kosovo is set to hold its third parliamentary election in just 18 months, scheduled for Sunday, as political gridlock continues to stall the formation of a new government. The fractured legislature has failed to elect a president on time, leaving the country in a state of uncertainty. Former President Vjosa Osmani, currently running for parliament under her former party, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), has called for unity among political factions to resolve the deadlock. Her campaign highlights the need for a balanced approach to governance, emphasizing that the country’s progress depends on collaboration rather than division.

Osmani, who served as president from 2022 to 2024, is now vying for a seat in the parliament. She believes that the upcoming election presents a critical opportunity to address long-standing issues and restore stability. “I am confident that the people of Kosovo can help us achieve this outcome by fostering a democratic equilibrium among political parties,” she said. “This balance will encourage all factions to engage in meaningful dialogue and reach an agreement on key institutional reforms as swiftly as possible.” The former president’s words reflect a growing concern among citizens about the prolonged instability and its impact on national priorities.

"We need to look at compromise, dialogue, and collaboration for the sake of national interest without fostering divisions among our people. The current climate is marked by excessive propaganda, polarisation, and a lack of trust that undermines our society," Osmani added.

Osmani’s call for compromise comes as the country faces a significant hurdle in securing a presidential candidate. To be elected, a candidate must secure at least two-thirds of the votes from the parliamentary assembly, a threshold that has proven challenging amid the opposition’s resistance. This requirement underscores the complexity of the political landscape, where a single faction’s withdrawal can delay crucial decisions. The former president argues that a swift resolution would enable Kosovo to advance its strategic goals, such as European integration and NATO membership, which have been central to its foreign policy.

“A timely agreement on leadership will ensure that we can focus on creating the necessary institutions to support our nation’s aspirations,” she stated. “These institutions are vital for progress, and without them, we risk stagnation in areas that matter most to Kosovans.” Her remarks highlight the urgency of the situation, as the country’s future appears to hinge on the ability of political leaders to set aside personal and party interests.

The election campaign has also been plagued by widespread disinformation, which Osmani describes as the “most severe” and “largest-scale” effort to distort public perception in the country’s history. Prosecutors have been tasked with investigating these claims, which she attributes to deliberate strategies aimed at undermining confidence in the political process. The disinformation, she claims, has disproportionately targeted women leaders, using AI-generated videos and manipulated photographs to cast doubt on their credibility. This tactic, she argues, has deepened societal divides and eroded trust in democratic institutions.

"The disinformation campaign has been relentless, with AI tools enabling the creation of misleading content that spreads quickly through social media. It has not only attacked individual leaders but also sown uncertainty about the entire political system," Osmani explained.

The campaign has also seen accusations against Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government, which has faced criticism for its handling of domestic affairs. After the February 2025 general election, Kurti’s party secured the largest share of votes but lacked the two-thirds majority needed to appoint a president. This led to a snap election in December, where the Parliament’s failure to elect a leader was attributed to a boycott by opposition groups. The interim leadership, currently held by the President of the Assembly, has since maintained governance while the political impasse continues.

Osmani’s term as president expired in April, and the transition to the new leadership has been delayed. The current crisis, she insists, is a result of inefficiencies and a lack of consensus, which have hindered the country’s ability to address pressing issues. “This is an unnecessary crisis, a completely avoidable deadlock that is harming our country’s development,” she said. “The people deserve leaders who prioritize national unity over partisan gains.”

The former president has also proposed legislative changes to prevent future abuses of power by the executive branch. She plans to amend the law so that no government can influence the election process through pre-election subsidies or social schemes. “The current system allows for manipulation, and without reform, we risk repeating the same mistakes that have delayed our progress,” Osmani warned. Her advocacy for legal safeguards reflects a broader effort to ensure transparency and fairness in Kosovo’s political operations.

Meanwhile, the opposition has accused Kurti’s administration of violating electoral rules by implementing economic support programs before the December election. These measures, they argue, gave an unfair advantage to the ruling party. In response, Osmani has emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field. “Every political party must be allowed to compete under the same conditions, or else the credibility of our democracy will be compromised,” she said. This debate has intensified as the election approaches, with each side vying for public support and legitimacy.

As the election date nears, Kosovans are preparing to cast their votes in a pivotal moment for the nation. The outcome could determine the direction of Kosovo’s political and economic policies, as well as its trajectory toward European integration. Osmani’s call for compromise serves as a reminder of the stakes involved, with the hope that the people will unite to break the deadlock and pave the way for a more stable future.