Kosovo’s parliament has elected Justina Shiroka Pula as the country’s new president, securing 81 votes in a late-night session and avoiding the dissolution of parliament and the possibility of early elections.

Shiroka Pula, head of the Academy of Sciences, received the necessary support from lawmakers to take over the presidency. She was elected after securing the required votes in the 120-seat Assembly.

Eliza Hoxha, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), was also in the running for the presidency.

The necessary quorum was secured after lawmakers from Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje movement and the PDK attended the session. With more than 80 deputies present, Shiroka Pula obtained the votes needed to become Kosovo’s new president.

The vote followed hours of political negotiations and public disagreements between the main political parties.

Initially, Prime Minister Albin Kurti had proposed passing legislation in exchange for the PDK’s support for either Glauk Konjufca or Feride Rushiti as presidential candidates. The proposal was rejected by PDK leader Bedri Hamza.

Kurti later put forward a revised proposal, nominating Justina Shiroka Pula for the presidency.

The agreement ultimately cleared the way for the presidential vote and prevented parliament from being dissolved, which would have triggered another round of parliamentary elections.