22. 12. 2020. 00:00   >>  16:16 0

HIGH COURT RULES

Arifi’s vote illegal, elections in Kosovo in January

Kosovo's highest court has ruled that the parliamentary vote electing a new government in June was unconstitutional, sending the country into fresh nationwide elections.

The Constitutional Court of Kosovo ruled on December 21 that the election of the government of Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti was illegal because one Member of Parliament who voted for the government had previously served time in prison.

The vote of lawmaker Etem Arifi was one of 61 for Hoti’s government, which was elected by the minimum number in the 120-seat parliament.

The court ruled that the government did not get enough votes and called on the president of Kosovo to set a date for new elections, which must be held no later than 40 days from the day of the announcement.

The current government can continue serving until parliament elects a new one.

Acting President Vjosa Osmani will call on political parties on December 22 to discuss the date of fresh elections, Bekim Kupina, Osmani's spokesperson, told RFE/RL.