Bekim Salihu from the GAP Institute has assessed that the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) could approach the Vetëvendosje Movement (VV) with a cooperation agreement, both at the central level and in the capital, on the eve of the runoff.
In Pristina, VV's candidate, Hajrulla Çeku, will be in a runoff with the incumbent mayor and candidate of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Përparim Rama.
In an interview with "Interaktiv", Salihu stated that although PDK traditionally does not make public its position on runoffs, it determines the winner within the party structures. He assessed that after these elections, the party led by Memli Krasniqi may seek cooperation with Vetëvendosje.
"The PDK has determined the winner from 2013 onwards in Pristina. I believe that the PDK can go to the VV table with two coalitions, both at the central level and in the capital. This suits the PDK to consolidate itself as a political entity," said Salihu, adding that "if the VV proves stubborn, then the result will not be in its favor."
He said that Vetëvendosje has already realized that "stubbornness has often turned into its disadvantage," while PDK's positioning is expected to be made only after a preliminary agreement.
"Who will be more attractive, LDK or VV, remains to be seen. Coalitions, even secret ones, will be decisive for Pristina. PDK will be the 'kingmaker'," he stressed.
Salihu praised the work and approach of the PDK candidate for Pristina, Uran Ismaili, which, according to him, have directly influenced the significant increase in votes for this party in the capital.
"Uran Ismail's work, approach and program have maximized the PDK vote in Pristina. The average number of votes that PDK had in Pristina is 16 thousand, and now we are talking about doubling it, and this is thanks to Uran, not PDK," he said.
Salihu also stressed that the electoral process was conducted in an orderly manner, but the results may bring surprises. According to him, the trend of growth of Vetëvendosje is evident in some municipalities.
"Gjilan will likely pass without a runoff, as we have 3 conditional votes and those from the diaspora that will be counted. Vetevendosje, in addition to Gjilan, is a party that could also emerge victorious in Kaçanik, Fushë-Kosovo Polje, Obiliq and the capital," he said.
As for other municipalities, Salihu said that PDK has a high chance of winning in Prizren and Vushtrri, while the real test will be Mitrovica, while LDK is expected to hold firm in Peja, Dragash, Viti and Junik.
"It would be a surprise if Gjakova loses to AAK. AAK is also the favorite in Rahovec, Klina and Suhareka," Salihu concluded.