Amid protests, Kosovo’s political deadlock raises prospect of new elections

Kosovo faces the risk of turmoil as protests against the convictions of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders coincide with a midnight deadline to elect a president.Demonstrators have called for changes to the law governing the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers, including measures affecting prison terms and where convicted people serve their sentences. The protests follow the September 16 convictions of former KLA leaders, including former President Hashim Thaci.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci faces verdict for alleged war crimeslist 2 of 4Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci sentenced to 25 years for war crimeslist 3 of 4Kosovo’s former president guilty of war crimeslist 4 of 4Police clash with Kosovo protesters over bid to curb Hague war crimes courtend of listThe protesters’ demands have become entangled with negotiations over the presidency, raising the prospect of new elections if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement. November 15 has emerged as a likely date for a new vote.“New elections do not, in themselves, promise anything particularly positive,” political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri told Al Jazeera. “The chances of...