The Kosovar party Self Determination (Vetevendosje), led by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and the opposition Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) have agreed to support a joint presidential candidate.

The candidate is 51 year old law professor Bekim Sejdiu, a former Kosovar ambassador to Turkey and consul general in New York. The agreement could end a political stalemate that has lasted nearly two years.

The Self Determination Party won 58 of the 120 parliamentary seats in the June snap elections, while the LDK holds 18 seats.

Together with minority parties, they can thus secure the more than 80 votes needed to elect a president. Kurti, meanwhile, needs only a few more votes from minority lawmakers to form a government.

Stabilizing the political situation is also important for Kosovo’s relations with the European Union. According to available data, prolonged uncertainty has hindered reforms and access to European funding. However, it is not yet clear when parliament will convene to elect its speaker, form a government and elect a president.

(Reuters, MJA)