After nearly seven months of political stalemate following the parliamentary elections, Kosovo’s Assembly has elected Dimal Basha of the Vetëvendosje Movement as its new speaker on August 26.

Basha’s election ends months of institutional paralysis in the Assembly and paves the way for the legislature to resume normal work. MPs had failed to elect a speaker since the February general election. 

Basha secured 73 votes in favour, winning support not only from his own party but also from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK).

The prolonged delay in electing a speaker had paralysed the work of the Assembly. Fatmir Limaj, chairman of the Social Democratic Initiative (Nisma), criticised Vetëvendosje for the months-long deadlock.

“Let them give an explanation why they have delayed the country so far for so many months. I hope they will have an explanation to the citizens of Kosovo why the country has been delayed so far,” Limaj said, Koha.net reported.

Nisma’s three MPs abstained, maintaining the party’s position that Limaj himself should have taken the role of speaker.

The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), meanwhile, voted against Basha. Its leader, Lumir Abdixhiku, sharply criticised the outcome, describing it as “a victory of ignorance and an unforgivable mistake of its supporters.”

In a Facebook post, Abdixhiku wrote: “This is how they project the Republic. With these values, they have chosen to honour the voters and the people of Kosovo. LDK aspires higher. Kosovo must aspire higher. Political accidents and triumphs of historical ignorance will be overcome. One day there will be light.”

Kosovan MPs are now expected to move towards forming a government. Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti has remained in power as acting prime minister since February. The party won the general election, but did not take enough seats to form a majority.