Gogic: Publishing the names of presidential candidates would not necessarily prevent a new blockade

Political scientist Ognjen Gogic told Kosovo Online that the Democratic League of Kosovo presenting Vjosa Osmani as its presidential candidate is part of the pre-election campaign and that, even if other parties were to present their presidential candidates before June 7, that would not guarantee that there would be no blockade during the election of the president of Kosovo.

Gogic believes that by presenting Osmani, who he says is a strong candidate, the LDK wants to influence voters.

“The call to reveal the names of each party’s presidential candidates came from the LDK and was not necessarily made because they believe it would prevent a later blockade during the decision-making process, but because it is their comparative advantage over the other parties. It is part of the campaign. They came out with it because they have a strong presidential candidate in Vjosa Osmani, and they are aware that if other parties did the same, it would influence voters. Voters would take that into account and it would give the LDK an advantage,” Gogic said.

According to him, even if other parties were to present their presidential candidates before the June 7 elections, that would not necessarily prevent a new blockade and obstruction when the election of the president of Kosovo comes onto the agenda.

“Everything still depends on the distribution of cards, on the number of mandates the parties will have, and above all on agreements regarding the Government of Kosovo. The position of president is symbolic and not decisive for the parties. When agreements are being made, everyone will take into account whether they can gain something from it in the government and how to cash it in through portfolios, ministerial posts, and others,” Gogic stated.

He added that publishing the name of a presidential candidate would exclusively have an impact on voters and possibly on a different distribution of cards on the political scene.