Gostivar, 8 November 2023 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi said Wednesday that he would exercise his authority and schedule elections if political parties fail to reach consensus on election dates.

Xhaferi believes that as Parliament Speaker, he is obligated to set the timing on elections determined by the Constitution and laws, and also that his legal obligation is to form a caretaker government three months before elections.

Regarding the timing of elections, Xhaferi told reporters that political parties in the Parliament have until the New Year to reach a consensus regarding the two dates for parliamentary and presidential elections. He emphasized that the two election processes differ in terms of their constitutional and legal deadlines and procedures.

"In any case, my constitutional and legal authority and obligation is to see that the election dates are within constitutional and legal frameworks. The parties have an opportunity to reach agreement and their readiness, and my obligation is to implement it," Xhaferi said.

He noted that parliamentary elections should be held within the last 90 days of the term of the current composition.

"If they reach agreement fine, if not, my obligations and authority will come into play. I cannot make a decision based on whether they reach consensus or not. My obligation is to schedule elections within the legal deadlines," Xhaferi stressed.

As a result of the Przhino Agreement and Law on Government, a caretaker government must be formed 100 days before parliamentary elections.

Regarding the session on constitutional changes, Xhaferi added that the issue was discussed in August and that the general debate is over.

"The session is adjourned and MPs must ensure a majority. This not of my concern but one of parliamentary representatives," Xhaferi said. ssh/ik/