Kosovo president dissolves parliament after presidential election failure

President Vjosa Osmani announced the dissolution of Kosovo's parliament Friday following lawmakers' failure to elect a new president within the constitutionally mandated timeframe. Addressing a press conference, Osmani stated she had issued the decision to dissolve the Assembly in accordance with her constitutional obligation, describing the situation as a major misfortune for the state that could have been entirely avoided.

Constitutional Deadline Missed

Article 86 of Kosovo's Constitution requires the election of a new president no later than 30 days before the incumbent's term expires. With Osmani's five-year mandate ending April 4, the deadline passed Thursday without parliament reaching consensus. Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Self-Determination Movement nominated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca, but failed to persuade opposition lawmakers who demanded a consensus candidate. Parliament Speaker Albulena Haxhiu suspended the late-night session with only 66 of the required 80 lawmakers present.

Path to New Elections

Parliament has applied to the Constitutional Court to review the compliance of the presidential election process and requested a temporary measure suspending the constitutional deadline. Proposals for constitutional amendments allowing direct public election of the president were also discussed but failed to secure necessary support. Osmani will now consult political party leaders to announce the date of early general elections. Kosovo previously held general elections in February 2025 and early elections in December 2025, with Kurti's government receiving a vote of confidence on February 11.