October 2026
Political parties must reach an agreement on electing the President and ensure the functioning of institutions
We, the undersigned civil society organizations, believe that Kosovo should have functioning institutions with full mandates that fulfill their responsibilities towards citizens. The mandate entrusted by citizens carries a responsibility to respect the constitutional order and ensure the democratic functioning of institutions. We therefore call on parliamentary parties to engage immediately in reaching an agreement that enables the election of the President by 6 October, within the deadline set by the Constitutional Court.
Another failure to elect the President would lead to the dissolution of the Assembly and new elections. Following repeated institutional crises and successive electoral cycles, this would bring the country into another institutional deadlock, with no guarantee that elections would resolve the disagreements keeping this issue unsettled.
Institutional delays and possible new elections have implications beyond the election of the President. For two years, Kosovo’s institutions have operated with limited mandates or in a caretaker capacity. Another institutional deadlock would deepen this crisis and prolong political uncertainty, further weakening democracy and democratic oversight, opportunities for economic development, international relations, and citizens’ trust in state institutions.
Reaching an agreement on the President requires reciprocal compromise. We call on the parliamentary majority to remain open to candidates who can secure broader cross-party support. In turn, we expect opposition parties to offer concrete proposals and work towards a viable solution. We call on all parties to reconsider their initial positions and agree on the candidates, parliamentary support, and participation needed to complete the process within the deadline.
Electing the President through an agreement reached in accordance with the Constitution would enable the country to overcome the current deadlock and allow institutions to continue their work. Such an agreement does not require the majority and opposition to resolve their political differences, but only the institutional cooperation necessary to complete the process and ensure the functioning of the state. The President represents the unity of the people and guarantees the democratic functioning of institutions; the agreement should therefore be guided by this constitutional role.
As civil society organizations, we are ready to contribute to this effort by facilitating any discussions that may take place. In the remaining days, we expect willingness to engage in dialogue to be accompanied by clear and concrete steps towards reaching an agreement and completing the presidential election process within the deadline set by the Constitutional Court.
Signatory organizations:
Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC)
Advocacy Training and Resource Center (ATRC)
CEL Kosova - Qendra për Barazi dhe Liri
Civil Rights Program Kosovo – CRP/K
Community Building Mitrovica (CBM)
Democracy Plus (D+)
Demokraci për Zhvillim (D4D)
Dylberizm
Fondi për Zhvillim Komunitar (CDF)
Forumi Kosovar i Aftësisë së Kufizuar
Forumi për Iniciativa Qytetare
Fourth Wave
Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS)
Handikos Istog
Iniciativa për Progres (INPO)
Iniciativa Qytetare Skenderaj
Instituti Demokratik i Kosovës (KDI)
Instituti GAP
Instituti i Kosovës për Drejtësi (IKD)
Instituti KLGI
Instituti Riinvest
INTEGRA NGO
Këshilli për Mbrojtjen e të Drejtave dhe Lirive të Njeriut (KMDLNj)
Kosova -Women 4 Women
Kosovo Advocacy and Development Centre (KADC)
Lëvizja FOL
NGO "Syri i Vizionit"
NGO ROMTEGRA
OMM Gjethi
Organizata e Personave me Aftësi të kufizuara-Handikos Kaçanik
Organizata Germin
Organizata për Demokraci, Anti-korrupsion dhe Dinjitet - “ÇOHU!”
Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS)
Qendra Kosovare për Studime Gjinore (QKSGj)
Qendra Kosovare për Studime të Sigurisë (QKSS)
Qendra për Politika dhe Avokim
Qendra për Zhvillimin e Grupeve Shoqërore (CSGD)
Rrjeti i Grave të Kosovës
Rrjeti i OJQ-ve AVONET
Rrjeti i OJQve të Grave Qeliza
SEKHMET Institute
ShL- Kosova
The Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRTC)