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== Background ==
== Background ==
The [[2019 Albanian local elections]] were boycotted, leading to the Socialists running uncontested in 31 municipalities. Only [[Shkodër]] and [[Finiq]] were won by opposition candidates, with all other mayors being candidates of the [[Socialist Party of Albania|Socialist Party]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-06-30 |title=Albania votes amid opposition boycott |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48763803 |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref> According to official figures, turnout in 2019 was 22.97% or 812,249 people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2019|title=Deklarate {{!}} KQZ |url=http://cec.org.al/deklarate-4/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |language=sq-AL}}</ref> The opposition stated that, according to their calculations, only 534,528 people took part, which means that the turnout was 15.12%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DP refuses to accept the turnout number announced by CEC |url=https://top-channel.tv/english/dp-refuses-to-accept-the-turnout-number-announced-by-cec/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=top-channel.tv |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kentish |first=Portia |date=2019-07-01 |title=Low voter turnout in Albanian municipal elections a victory for opposition |url=https://emerging-europe.com/news/low-voter-turnout-in-albanian-municipal-elections-a-victory-for-opposition/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Emerging Europe |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-01 |title=Albania Avoids Violence in Contested Local Elections {{!}} Balkan Insight |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701154616/https://balkaninsight.com/2019/06/30/albania-avoids-violence-in-contested-local-elections/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref> The elections were declared as a "farce" by opposition leader [[Lulzim Basha]] at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-06-08 |title=Opposition rallies again to get Albanian PM to quit |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-albania-protests-idUSKCN1T90SN |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref>
The [[2019 Albanian local elections]] were boycotted, leading to the Socialists running uncontested in 31 municipalities. Only [[Shkodër]] and [[Finiq]] were won by opposition candidates, with all other mayors being candidates of the [[Socialist Party of Albania|Socialist Party]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-06-30 |title=Albania votes amid opposition boycott |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48763803 |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref> According to official figures, turnout in 2019 was 22.97% or 812,249 people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2019|title=Deklarate {{!}} KQZ |url=http://cec.org.al/deklarate-4/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |language=sq-AL}}</ref> The opposition stated that, according to their calculations, only 534,528 people took part, which means that the turnout was 15.12%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DP refuses to accept the turnout number announced by CEC |url=https://top-channel.tv/english/dp-refuses-to-accept-the-turnout-number-announced-by-cec/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=top-channel.tv |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kentish |first=Portia |date=2019-07-01 |title=Low voter turnout in Albanian municipal elections a victory for opposition |url=https://emerging-europe.com/news/low-voter-turnout-in-albanian-municipal-elections-a-victory-for-opposition/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Emerging Europe |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-01 |title=Albania Avoids Violence in Contested Local Elections {{!}} Balkan Insight |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2019/06/30/albania-avoids-violence-in-contested-local-elections/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701154616/https://balkaninsight.com/2019/06/30/albania-avoids-violence-in-contested-local-elections/ |archive-date=2019-07-01 }}</ref> The elections were declared as a "farce" by opposition leader [[Lulzim Basha]] at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-06-08 |title=Opposition rallies again to get Albanian PM to quit |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-albania-protests-idUSKCN1T90SN |access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref>


[[Sali Berisha]] and [[Ilir Meta]] officially met on 26 October 2022 to plan for the upcoming elections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meta goes to the blue headquarters, meeting with Berisha |url=https://politiko.al/english/ditari-i-opozites/meta-shkon-ne-seline-blu-takim-me-berishen-i469525 |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=politiko.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zgjedhjet lokale të 2023/ "Ja kush fiton", ish-deputeti bën deklaratën e fortë: Rakipi nuk flet kot, ka informacione për Bashën |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/zgjedhjet-lokale-te-2023-ja-kush-fiton-ish-deputeti-ben-deklaraten-e-fo-i507027 |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref> Both Meta and Berisha planned to have primaries in order to select joint candidates for each municipality, while the Socialist Party planned to run alone without any electoral alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=redi |title=Kandidatët e mundshëm nga PS dhe PD për zgjedhjet lokale të 14 majit 2023 |url=https://kohajone.com/kandidatet-e-mundshem-nga-ps-dhe-pd-per-zgjedhjet-lokale-te-14-majit-2023/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Gazeta Koha Jone {{!}} E perditshme e pavarur |date=24 October 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> However, since the Democratic Party was split between [[Enkelejd Alibeaj]] and Sali Berisha, it was uncertain who would carry the name of the party on the ballot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Berisha's, Alibeaj's Representatives to Resume Talks for Joint Local Polls Candidate |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/berisha-s-alibeaj-s-representatives-to-resume-talks-for-joint-local-polls-candidate |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref> [[Belind Këlliçi]] announced he would be challenging [[Erion Veliaj]] in [[Tirana]] as Berisha's candidate,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belind Kellici Is DP's Official Candidate for Tirana Municipality |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/belind-kellici-is-dp-s-official-candidate-for-tirana-municipality- |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref> while Alibeaj did not announce a candidate in Tirana.
[[Sali Berisha]] and [[Ilir Meta]] officially met on 26 October 2022 to plan for the upcoming elections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meta goes to the blue headquarters, meeting with Berisha |url=https://politiko.al/english/ditari-i-opozites/meta-shkon-ne-seline-blu-takim-me-berishen-i469525 |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=politiko.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zgjedhjet lokale të 2023/ "Ja kush fiton", ish-deputeti bën deklaratën e fortë: Rakipi nuk flet kot, ka informacione për Bashën |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/zgjedhjet-lokale-te-2023-ja-kush-fiton-ish-deputeti-ben-deklaraten-e-fo-i507027 |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=sot.com.al|date=16 April 2022 }}</ref> Both Meta and Berisha planned to have primaries in order to select joint candidates for each municipality, while the Socialist Party planned to run alone without any electoral alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=redi |title=Kandidatët e mundshëm nga PS dhe PD për zgjedhjet lokale të 14 majit 2023 |url=https://kohajone.com/kandidatet-e-mundshem-nga-ps-dhe-pd-per-zgjedhjet-lokale-te-14-majit-2023/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Gazeta Koha Jone {{!}} E perditshme e pavarur |date=24 October 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> However, since the Democratic Party was split between [[Enkelejd Alibeaj]] and Sali Berisha, it was uncertain who would carry the name of the party on the ballot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Berisha's, Alibeaj's Representatives to Resume Talks for Joint Local Polls Candidate |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/berisha-s-alibeaj-s-representatives-to-resume-talks-for-joint-local-polls-candidate |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref> [[Belind Këlliçi]] announced he would be challenging [[Erion Veliaj]] in [[Tirana]] as Berisha's candidate,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belind Kellici Is DP's Official Candidate for Tirana Municipality |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/belind-kellici-is-dp-s-official-candidate-for-tirana-municipality- |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref> while Alibeaj did not announce a candidate in Tirana.


On 25 January 2023, Berisha's agreement with [[Vangjel Dule]] was revealed. According to the agreement, the [[PBDNJ]] would run their candidates in [[Finiq]], [[Dropull]] and [[Himarë]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Berisha's agreement with Vangjel Dule is revealed, which municipalities are given to PBDNJ |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/zbardhet-marreveshja-e-berishes-me-vangjel-dulen-ja-cilat-bashki-i-jepe-i565468 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref> By the end of January, it was still not clear whether the PS would run alone or with a coalition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PS në garë për zgjedhjet vendore 2023 vetëm apo në aleancë? Përgjigjet Balla - Shqiptarja.com |url=https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/ne-gare-vete-apo-ne-aleance-pergjigjet-balla |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=shqiptarja.com |language=sq}}</ref> Edi Rama stated that his party had selected a candidate for every region besides [[Vlorë]] and [[Durrës]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PS "ndez" motorët për zgjedhjet vendore të 2023, ja kush janë kandidatët për kryebashkiakë që ka konfirmuar Rama në Shkodër dhe Elbasan më 14 maj |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/ps-ndez-motoret-per-zgjedhjet-vendore-te-2023-ja-kush-jane-kandidatet-p-i563798 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref>
On 25 January 2023, Berisha's agreement with [[Vangjel Dule]] was revealed. According to the agreement, the [[PBDNJ]] would run their candidates in [[Finiq]], [[Dropull]] and [[Himarë]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Berisha's agreement with Vangjel Dule is revealed, which municipalities are given to PBDNJ |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/zbardhet-marreveshja-e-berishes-me-vangjel-dulen-ja-cilat-bashki-i-jepe-i565468 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=sot.com.al|date=25 January 2023 }}</ref> By the end of January, it was still not clear whether the PS would run alone or with a coalition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PS në garë për zgjedhjet vendore 2023 vetëm apo në aleancë? Përgjigjet Balla - Shqiptarja.com |url=https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/ne-gare-vete-apo-ne-aleance-pergjigjet-balla |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=shqiptarja.com |language=sq}}</ref> Edi Rama stated that his party had selected a candidate for every region besides [[Vlorë]] and [[Durrës]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PS "ndez" motorët për zgjedhjet vendore të 2023, ja kush janë kandidatët për kryebashkiakë që ka konfirmuar Rama në Shkodër dhe Elbasan më 14 maj |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/ps-ndez-motoret-per-zgjedhjet-vendore-te-2023-ja-kush-jane-kandidatet-p-i563798 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=sot.com.al|date=18 January 2023 }}</ref>


Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the [[Central Election Commission (Albania)|Central Election Commission]], stated that neither Enkelejd Alibeaj nor Sali Berisha were allowed to register their candidates as the Democratic party of Albania before the deadline was on 7 March, meaning that the PD would not be allowed to run in the upcoming local elections.<ref>{{Citation |title=Report TV -Celibashi paralajmëron mosregjistrimin e PD në zgjedhjet vendore: Zgjidhni ngërçin! | date=February 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1Fba-wuxLs |access-date=2023-02-19 |language=en}}</ref>
Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the [[Central Election Commission (Albania)|Central Election Commission]], stated that neither Enkelejd Alibeaj nor Sali Berisha were allowed to register their candidates as the Democratic party of Albania before the deadline was on 7 March, meaning that the PD would not be allowed to run in the upcoming local elections.<ref>{{Citation |title=Report TV -Celibashi paralajmëron mosregjistrimin e PD në zgjedhjet vendore: Zgjidhni ngërçin! | date=February 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1Fba-wuxLs |access-date=2023-02-19 |language=en}}</ref>


In February 2023, controversy formed around the alleged connections between prime minister [[Edi Rama]] and [[Charles McGonigal]], who was believed to be connected with [[Russian oligarchs|Russian oligarch]] [[Oleg Deripaska]], and was also separately indicted for allegedly accepting payments from former [[SHISH|Albanian intelligence]] agent Agron Neza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agron Neza (person A) in the American file, journalist: He introduced himself as an FBI man |url=https://politiko.al/e-tjera/agron-neza-personi-a-ne-dosjen-amerikane-gazetari-prezantohej-si-njeri-i-i474717 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=politiko.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Erebara |first=Gjergj |date=2023-02-16 |title=McGonigal's Albanian 'Adventure' Demands a Deeper Investigation |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/02/16/mcgonigals-albanian-adventure-demands-a-deeper-investigation/ |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The latest 'McGonigal' scandal, this is what Edi Rama will face tomorrow |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/skandali-i-fundit-i-mcgonigal-ja-me-cfare-do-perballet-edi-rama-diten-e-i567140 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuka |first=Giada |title=Exclusive/ He met Rama and the former FBI official, Agron Neza reacts for Euronews Albania {{!}} Euronews Albania |date=25 January 2023 |url=https://euronews.al/en/exclusive-he-met-rama-and-the-former-fbi-official-agron-neza-reacts-for-euronews-albania/ |access-date=2023-02-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In February 2023, controversy formed around the alleged connections between prime minister [[Edi Rama]] and [[Charles McGonigal]], who was believed to be connected with [[Russian oligarchs|Russian oligarch]] [[Oleg Deripaska]], and was also separately indicted for allegedly accepting payments from former [[SHISH|Albanian intelligence]] agent Agron Neza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agron Neza (person A) in the American file, journalist: He introduced himself as an FBI man |url=https://politiko.al/e-tjera/agron-neza-personi-a-ne-dosjen-amerikane-gazetari-prezantohej-si-njeri-i-i474717 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=politiko.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Erebara |first=Gjergj |date=2023-02-16 |title=McGonigal's Albanian 'Adventure' Demands a Deeper Investigation |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/02/16/mcgonigals-albanian-adventure-demands-a-deeper-investigation/ |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The latest 'McGonigal' scandal, this is what Edi Rama will face tomorrow |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/skandali-i-fundit-i-mcgonigal-ja-me-cfare-do-perballet-edi-rama-diten-e-i567140 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=sot.com.al|date=February 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuka |first=Giada |title=Exclusive/ He met Rama and the former FBI official, Agron Neza reacts for Euronews Albania {{!}} Euronews Albania |date=25 January 2023 |url=https://euronews.al/en/exclusive-he-met-rama-and-the-former-fbi-official-agron-neza-reacts-for-euronews-albania/ |access-date=2023-02-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>


On 3 March 2023, the Democratic Party of Albania was given to Enkelejd Alibeaj.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alibeaj Calls for Unification of Democrats |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/alibeaj-calls-for-unification-of-democrats |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinoruka |first=Fjori |date=2023-03-03 |title=Tirana Court Rules Retrial in Main Opposition Party's Leadership Battle |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/03/03/tirana-court-rules-retrial-in-main-opposition-partys-leadership-battle/ |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref> Originally, the Tirana Courts had originally accepted Sali Berisha's appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinoruka |first=Fjori |date=2023-03-03 |title=Tirana Court Rules Retrial in Main Opposition Party's Leadership Battle |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/03/03/tirana-court-rules-retrial-in-main-opposition-partys-leadership-battle/ |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref> However, on 11 March 2023, Alibeaj was not allowed to register the Democratic Party with the CEC, allegedly for lack of proper documentation. In fact, it appeared that [[Lulzim Basha]] was still the leader of the party, even though Basha had declared his resignation in March 2022. However, Basha had never finalized his resignation in any written source. Alibeaj announced he would appeal against the decision of the CEC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alibeaj Group Asks KAS to Review CEC Decision on DP Registration |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/alibeaj-group-asks-kas-to-review-cec-decision-on-dp-registration |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref>
On 3 March 2023, the Democratic Party of Albania was given to Enkelejd Alibeaj.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alibeaj Calls for Unification of Democrats |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/alibeaj-calls-for-unification-of-democrats |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinoruka |first=Fjori |date=2023-03-03 |title=Tirana Court Rules Retrial in Main Opposition Party's Leadership Battle |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/03/03/tirana-court-rules-retrial-in-main-opposition-partys-leadership-battle/ |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref> Originally, the Tirana Courts had originally accepted Sali Berisha's appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinoruka |first=Fjori |date=2023-03-03 |title=Tirana Court Rules Retrial in Main Opposition Party's Leadership Battle |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/03/03/tirana-court-rules-retrial-in-main-opposition-partys-leadership-battle/ |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref> However, on 11 March 2023, Alibeaj was not allowed to register the Democratic Party with the CEC, allegedly for lack of proper documentation. In fact, it appeared that [[Lulzim Basha]] was still the leader of the party, even though Basha had declared his resignation in March 2022. However, Basha had never finalized his resignation in any written source. Alibeaj announced he would appeal against the decision of the CEC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alibeaj Group Asks KAS to Review CEC Decision on DP Registration |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/alibeaj-group-asks-kas-to-review-cec-decision-on-dp-registration |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref>


Berisha's candidates were not allowed to register as the Democratic Party, but instead under the list of [[Ilir Meta]]'s party. On 15 March 2023, Berisha and Meta announced that their coalition would be called {{Lang|sq|Bashkë Fitojmë|italic=yes}} ("Together we win"). It would consist of the PBDNJ, the [[Freedom Party of Albania]], [[Demochristian Party of Albania|Demochristian Party]], and the majority of the PD.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title="Bashkë fitojmë", PD dhe Partia e Lirisë dorëzojnë kërkesën në KQZ për regjistrimin e koalicionit |url=https://www.oranews.tv/politike/bashke-fitojme-pd-dhe-partia-e-lirise-dorezojne-kerkesen-ne-kqz-per-reg-i1080044 |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=oranews.tv}}</ref> Several Alibeaj's candidates would ultimately resign or endorse Berisha's candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is happening? Alibeaj 'resigns' again, another candidate withdraws from the race |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/fare-po-ndodh-braktiset-serish-alibeaj-terhiqet-nga-gara-nje-tjeter-kan-i582316 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alibeaj in difficulties, the legal advisor of the Parliamentary Group resigns |url=https://politiko.al/ditari-i-opozites/marash-logu-dorehiqet-si-keshilltar-ligjor-i-grupit-parlamenta-i478829 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=politiko.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Albania |first=Euronews |date=2023-03-29 |title=Why are candidates leaving Alibeaj? Out of 19 proposals, 5 are successful |url=https://euronews.al/en/why-are-candidates-leaving-alibeaj-out-of-19-proposals-5-are-successful/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Euronews Albania |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vau i Dejes Municipal Council's Candidates Support Ex-PM Berisha's Nominee |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/vau-i-dejes-municipal-council-s-candidates-support-ex-pm-berisha-s-nominee |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref>{{Politics of Albania}}
Berisha's candidates were not allowed to register as the Democratic Party, but instead under the list of [[Ilir Meta]]'s party. On 15 March 2023, Berisha and Meta announced that their coalition would be called {{Lang|sq|Bashkë Fitojmë|italic=yes}} ("Together we win"). It would consist of the PBDNJ, the [[Freedom Party of Albania]], [[Demochristian Party of Albania|Demochristian Party]], and the majority of the PD.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title="Bashkë fitojmë", PD dhe Partia e Lirisë dorëzojnë kërkesën në KQZ për regjistrimin e koalicionit |url=https://www.oranews.tv/politike/bashke-fitojme-pd-dhe-partia-e-lirise-dorezojne-kerkesen-ne-kqz-per-reg-i1080044 |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=oranews.tv}}</ref> Several Alibeaj's candidates would ultimately resign or endorse Berisha's candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is happening? Alibeaj 'resigns' again, another candidate withdraws from the race |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/fare-po-ndodh-braktiset-serish-alibeaj-terhiqet-nga-gara-nje-tjeter-kan-i582316 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=sot.com.al|date=12 April 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alibeaj in difficulties, the legal advisor of the Parliamentary Group resigns |url=https://politiko.al/ditari-i-opozites/marash-logu-dorehiqet-si-keshilltar-ligjor-i-grupit-parlamenta-i478829 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=politiko.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Albania |first=Euronews |date=2023-03-29 |title=Why are candidates leaving Alibeaj? Out of 19 proposals, 5 are successful |url=https://euronews.al/en/why-are-candidates-leaving-alibeaj-out-of-19-proposals-5-are-successful/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Euronews Albania |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vau i Dejes Municipal Council's Candidates Support Ex-PM Berisha's Nominee |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/vau-i-dejes-municipal-council-s-candidates-support-ex-pm-berisha-s-nominee |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref>{{Politics of Albania}}


== By-elections of March 2022 ==
== By-elections of March 2022 ==
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|[[Nisma Thurje|Hashtag Initiative]]
|[[Nisma Thurje|Hashtag Initiative]]
|NTH
|NTH
|Endrit Shabani
|[[Endrit Shabani]]
|–
|–
|-
|-
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|-
|-
|[[Himarë]]
|[[Himarë]]
|[[Fredi Beleri|Dhionisios Alfred Beleri]]{{efn|As indicated on the KQZ website}}
|[[Fredis Beleris|Dhionisios Alfred Beleri]]{{efn|As indicated on the KQZ website}}
|[[Together We Win]]
|[[Together We Win]]
|''Bashkë Fitojmë''
|''Bashkë Fitojmë''
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{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Results from the partial election<ref>{{Cite web |title=Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve Rrogozhinë |url=https://iemis.kqz.gov.al/results2023_perseritje/
|+Results from the partial election<ref>{{Cite web |title=Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve Rrogozhinë |url=https://iemis.kqz.gov.al/results2023_perseritje/
|access-date=2023-07-23 |website=kqz.gov.al}}
|access-date=2023-07-23 |website=kqz.gov.al}}<br/>
{{Cite web |title=Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve Kukës
{{Cite web |title=Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve Kukës
|url=https://iemis.kqz.gov.al/results2023_kukes/
|url=https://iemis.kqz.gov.al/results2023_kukes/
|access-date=2023-09-24 |website=kqz.gov.al}} </ref>
|access-date=2023-09-24 |website=kqz.gov.al}}<br/>
{{Cite web |title=Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve Himarë
|url=https://iemis.kqz.gov.al/results2024_himare/
|access-date=2024-08-04
|website=kqz.gov.al}} </ref>
!Date
!Date
!Districts
!Districts
Line 779: Line 783:
!Winner
!Winner
!Political party
!Political party
!Socialist
!PS
!Together We Win
!BF
|-
|-
|23 Jul
|23 Jul 2023
|[[Rrogozhinë]]
|[[Rrogozhinë]]
|36.15%
|36.15%
Line 790: Line 794:
|42.42%
|42.42%
|-
|-
|24 Sep
|24 Sep 2023
|[[Kukës]]
|[[Kukës]]
|45.29%
|45.29%
Line 798: Line 802:
|36.33%
|36.33%
|-
|-
|04 Aug 2024
|TBA
|[[Himarë]]
|[[Himarë]]
|37.61%
|TBA
|[[Vangjel Tavo]]
|TBA
|Socialist Party
|TBA
|58.62%
|TBA
|41.38%
|TBA
|}
|}


Line 1,445: Line 1,449:
|-
|-
|[[Nisma Thurje|Hashtag Initiative]]
|[[Nisma Thurje|Hashtag Initiative]]
|Endrit Shabani
|[[Endrit Shabani]]
|10,804
|10,804
|0.80%
|0.80%
Line 1,548: Line 1,552:


== Reactions ==
== Reactions ==
Edi Rama and the PS was able to keep control on a majority of municipalities and thanked voters for entrusting him. However, the opposition claimed election misconduct, stating that they were not allowed to count ballots in every district. Berisha and other members of the opposition argued it was unfair to have given the opposition an odd amount of vote counters. [[Together We Win]] was only allowed to count ballots in 50% of the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shorti i KQZ: Bashkë Fitojmë, numërues vetëm në tavolinat me numër tek në KZAZ |url=https://tiranapost.al/politike/shorti-i-kqz-bashke-fitojme-numerues-vetem-ne-tavolinat-me-numer-tek-ne-i524925 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=tiranapost.al}}</ref> Vote buying was the biggest accusation from the opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Mayor Safet Gjici reacts to accusations of buying votes in Kukës |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/akuzat-per-blerje-votash-ne-kukes-reagon-kryebashkiaku-safet-gjici-i588131 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Drejtorët e Bashkisë Bulqizë blejnë vota, e moshuara: Klodian Reçi më premtoi lekë | date=13 May 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hek-4Xj6MoA |access-date=2023-06-16 |language=en}}</ref> Workers of every municipality had shown up on election day waiting outside every polling station.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-13 |title=Krimet zgjedhore, Policia hetime në Tiranë, Fier, Kukës dhe në Durrës - Aktualitet |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613211358/https://a2news.com/krimet-zgjedhore-policia-hetime-ne-tirane-fier-kukes-dhe-ne-durres |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>
Edi Rama and the PS was able to keep control on a majority of municipalities and thanked voters for entrusting him. However, the opposition claimed election misconduct, stating that they were not allowed to count ballots in every district. Berisha and other members of the opposition argued it was unfair to have given the opposition an odd number of vote counters. [[Together We Win]] was only allowed to count ballots in 50% of the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shorti i KQZ: Bashkë Fitojmë, numërues vetëm në tavolinat me numër tek në KZAZ |url=https://tiranapost.al/politike/shorti-i-kqz-bashke-fitojme-numerues-vetem-ne-tavolinat-me-numer-tek-ne-i524925 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=tiranapost.al}}</ref> Vote buying was the biggest accusation from the opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Mayor Safet Gjici reacts to accusations of buying votes in Kukës |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/akuzat-per-blerje-votash-ne-kukes-reagon-kryebashkiaku-safet-gjici-i588131 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=sot.com.al|date=12 May 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Drejtorët e Bashkisë Bulqizë blejnë vota, e moshuara: Klodian Reçi më premtoi lekë | date=13 May 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hek-4Xj6MoA |access-date=2023-06-16 |language=en}}</ref> Workers of every municipality had shown up on election day waiting outside every polling station.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-13 |title=Krimet zgjedhore, Policia hetime në Tiranë, Fier, Kukës dhe në Durrës - Aktualitet |url=https://a2news.com/krimet-zgjedhore-policia-hetime-ne-tirane-fier-kukes-dhe-ne-durres |access-date=2024-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613211358/https://a2news.com/krimet-zgjedhore-policia-hetime-ne-tirane-fier-kukes-dhe-ne-durres |archive-date=2024-06-13 }}</ref>


Opposition groups also claimed that in the three districts that did use an electronic voting system, [[Vorë]], [[Kamëz]], and [[Elbasan]], there were failures in the electronic identification system.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-05-14 |title=VIDEO - SYRI TV/ Skandal me votimin elektronik në Elbasan, vota për Luçiano Boçin i shkon Gledian Llatjas |url=https://www.syri.net/syri_kosova/lajme/478123/syri-tvose-skandal-me-votimin-elektronik-ne-elbasan-vota-per-luciano-bocin-i-shkon-gledian-llatjas/ |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Syri Kosova {{!}} Lajmi i fundit |language=sq-AL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Scandal with the CEC, 23 million euros "blown up" by Ilirjan Celibashi, CEC admits failure with electronic identification |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/skandal-me-kqz-23-milione-euro-hidhen-ne-ere-nga-ilirjan-celibashi-kqz--i588616 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=admin-standard |date=2023-05-14 |title=Skandal me votimin elektronik në Elbasan/ Vota për Luçiano Boçin i shkon Gledian Llatjas |url=https://www.standard.al/2023/05/14/skandal-me-votimin-elektronik-ne-elbasan-vota-per-luciano-bocin-i-shkon-gledian-llatjas/ |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Gazeta Standard Online |language=en-US}}</ref> Some workers also claimed that they voted for an opposition candidate, only for their vote to show up for the Socialist candidate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin-standard |date=2023-05-14 |title=Skandal me votimin elektronik në Elbasan/ Vota për Luçiano Boçin i shkon Gledian Llatjas |url=https://www.standard.al/2023/05/14/skandal-me-votimin-elektronik-ne-elbasan-vota-per-luciano-bocin-i-shkon-gledian-llatjas/ |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Gazeta Standard Online |language=en-US}}</ref> The CEC has argued that this is not possible. Several political groups of the opposition argued the electronic voting system violated the election codes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SKANDALI/ Shkelje dhe manipulime në procesin zgjedhor në Elbasan |url=https://politiko.al/ditari-i-opozites/skandali-shkelje-dhe-manipulime-ne-procesin-zgjedhor-ne-elbasa-i483136 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=politiko.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-13 |title=Zgjedhjet e qershorit, KQZ: vendorët kanë shkelur Kodin Zgjedhor - Vendi |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613211822/https://www.oranews.tv/zgjedhjet-e-qershorit-kqz-vendoret-kane-shkelur-kodin-zgjedhor |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>
Opposition groups also claimed that in the three districts that did use an electronic voting system, [[Vorë]], [[Kamëz]], and [[Elbasan]], there were failures in the electronic identification system.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-05-14 |title=VIDEO - SYRI TV/ Skandal me votimin elektronik në Elbasan, vota për Luçiano Boçin i shkon Gledian Llatjas |url=https://www.syri.net/syri_kosova/lajme/478123/syri-tvose-skandal-me-votimin-elektronik-ne-elbasan-vota-per-luciano-bocin-i-shkon-gledian-llatjas/ |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Syri Kosova {{!}} Lajmi i fundit |language=sq-AL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Scandal with the CEC, 23 million euros "blown up" by Ilirjan Celibashi, CEC admits failure with electronic identification |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/skandal-me-kqz-23-milione-euro-hidhen-ne-ere-nga-ilirjan-celibashi-kqz--i588616 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=sot.com.al|date=15 May 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=admin-standard |date=2023-05-14 |title=Skandal me votimin elektronik në Elbasan/ Vota për Luçiano Boçin i shkon Gledian Llatjas |url=https://www.standard.al/2023/05/14/skandal-me-votimin-elektronik-ne-elbasan-vota-per-luciano-bocin-i-shkon-gledian-llatjas/ |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Gazeta Standard Online |language=en-US}}</ref> Some workers also claimed that they voted for an opposition candidate, only for their vote to show up for the Socialist candidate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin-standard |date=2023-05-14 |title=Skandal me votimin elektronik në Elbasan/ Vota për Luçiano Boçin i shkon Gledian Llatjas |url=https://www.standard.al/2023/05/14/skandal-me-votimin-elektronik-ne-elbasan-vota-per-luciano-bocin-i-shkon-gledian-llatjas/ |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Gazeta Standard Online |language=en-US}}</ref> The CEC has argued that this is not possible. Several political groups of the opposition argued the electronic voting system violated the election codes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SKANDALI/ Shkelje dhe manipulime në procesin zgjedhor në Elbasan |url=https://politiko.al/ditari-i-opozites/skandali-shkelje-dhe-manipulime-ne-procesin-zgjedhor-ne-elbasa-i483136 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=politiko.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-13 |title=Zgjedhjet e qershorit, KQZ: vendorët kanë shkelur Kodin Zgjedhor - Vendi |url=https://www.oranews.tv/zgjedhjet-e-qershorit-kqz-vendoret-kane-shkelur-kodin-zgjedhor |access-date=2024-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613211822/https://www.oranews.tv/zgjedhjet-e-qershorit-kqz-vendoret-kane-shkelur-kodin-zgjedhor |archive-date=2024-06-13 }}</ref>


On 16 June 2023, the elected mayor for [[Kukës]], [[Safet Gjici]], resigned following a leaked sex tape in the municipal office.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Scandal/ Safet Gjici is filmed in the office having oral sex with an unknown woman |url=https://politiko.al/kryesore/skandali-safet-gjici-filmohet-ne-zyre-duke-bere-sks-oral-me-nje-grua-te-i485329 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=politiko.al}}</ref> He was caught with a female worker giving him oral sex. He resigned effective immediately, which caused a by-election to be held.
On 16 June 2023, the elected mayor for [[Kukës]], [[Safet Gjici]], resigned following a leaked sex tape in the municipal office.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Scandal/ Safet Gjici is filmed in the office having oral sex with an unknown woman |url=https://politiko.al/kryesore/skandali-safet-gjici-filmohet-ne-zyre-duke-bere-sks-oral-me-nje-grua-te-i485329 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=politiko.al}}</ref> He was caught with a female worker giving him oral sex. He resigned effective immediately, which caused a by-election to be held.
Line 1,556: Line 1,560:
The [[Council of Europe]] stated that the elections were "well-administered, lacked women as candidates and in administration, and lacked focus on local issues"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania's local elections largely well administered, but characterized by continued polarization and lack of focus on local issues, international observers say |url=https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/albania/543564 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=[[osce.org]] |language=en}}</ref>
The [[Council of Europe]] stated that the elections were "well-administered, lacked women as candidates and in administration, and lacked focus on local issues"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Albania's local elections largely well administered, but characterized by continued polarization and lack of focus on local issues, international observers say |url=https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/albania/543564 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=[[osce.org]] |language=en}}</ref>


On 5 March 2024, mayor-elect of Himara Alfred Beleri, who had been arrested on 12 May 2023, two days before the election, was sentenced to two years in prison for alleged vote buying.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fredi Beleri sentenced two year in prison for corruption |url=https://abcnews.al/fredi-beleri-sentenced-two-year-in-prison-for-corruption/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=sq}}</ref> The previous mayor, Jorgo Goro, continued to serve his term in the meantime, as Beleri was not allowed to complete his oath to be sworn in as mayor.
On 5 March 2024, mayor-elect of Himarë [[Fredis Beleris|Dhionisios Alfred Beleri]], who had been arrested on 12 May 2023, two days before the election, was sentenced to two years in prison for alleged vote buying.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fredi Beleri sentenced two year in prison for corruption |url=https://abcnews.al/fredi-beleri-sentenced-two-year-in-prison-for-corruption/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=sq}}</ref> The previous mayor, Jorgo Goro, continued to serve his term in the meantime, as Beleri was not allowed to complete his oath to be sworn in as mayor.


On 23 March 2024, Jorgo Goro was himself arrested by [[SPAK]] for corruption.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-24 |title=Albanian prosecutors order arrest of tourist town mayor for alleged corruption |url=https://apnews.com/article/albania-mayor-arrest-corruption-tourism-9c3d93d8e79bb085ef425dc13ffdb3de |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The arrest of Jorgo Goros, deputy of the Democratic Party: The missing link, will SPAK go to those who ordered corruption? |url=https://politiko.al/ditari-i-opozites/arrestimi-i-jorgo-goros-deputeti-i-pd-hallka-qe-mungon-a-do-te-i503909 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=politiko.al}}</ref>
On 23 March 2024, Jorgo Goro was himself arrested by [[SPAK]] for corruption.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-24 |title=Albanian prosecutors order arrest of tourist town mayor for alleged corruption |url=https://apnews.com/article/albania-mayor-arrest-corruption-tourism-9c3d93d8e79bb085ef425dc13ffdb3de |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The arrest of Jorgo Goros, deputy of the Democratic Party: The missing link, will SPAK go to those who ordered corruption? |url=https://politiko.al/ditari-i-opozites/arrestimi-i-jorgo-goros-deputeti-i-pd-hallka-qe-mungon-a-do-te-i503909 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=politiko.al}}</ref>

On 4 August 2024, [[Vangjel Tavo]] was the candidate of the Socialist Party for the repeat elections in the municipality of [[Himarë]] and won his opponent, [[Petro Gjikuria]], who was supported by the coalition of the opposition [[Together We Win]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zgjedhje të pjesshme për kryetarin e Bashkisë Himarë|access-date=25 October 2024|url=https://iemis.kqz.gov.al/results2024_himare/|publisher=[[Central Election Commission (Albania)]] |language=sq}}</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==

Latest revision as of 19:49, 19 November 2024

2023 Albanian Local Elections

← 2019 14 May 2023 2027 →

Local elections were held on 14 May 2023 in Albania.[1] Mayors and municipal council seats were being elected in each of Albania's 61 municipalities.

Background

[edit]

The 2019 Albanian local elections were boycotted, leading to the Socialists running uncontested in 31 municipalities. Only Shkodër and Finiq were won by opposition candidates, with all other mayors being candidates of the Socialist Party.[2] According to official figures, turnout in 2019 was 22.97% or 812,249 people.[3] The opposition stated that, according to their calculations, only 534,528 people took part, which means that the turnout was 15.12%.[4][5][6] The elections were declared as a "farce" by opposition leader Lulzim Basha at the time.[7]

Sali Berisha and Ilir Meta officially met on 26 October 2022 to plan for the upcoming elections.[8][9] Both Meta and Berisha planned to have primaries in order to select joint candidates for each municipality, while the Socialist Party planned to run alone without any electoral alliance.[10] However, since the Democratic Party was split between Enkelejd Alibeaj and Sali Berisha, it was uncertain who would carry the name of the party on the ballot.[11] Belind Këlliçi announced he would be challenging Erion Veliaj in Tirana as Berisha's candidate,[12] while Alibeaj did not announce a candidate in Tirana.

On 25 January 2023, Berisha's agreement with Vangjel Dule was revealed. According to the agreement, the PBDNJ would run their candidates in Finiq, Dropull and Himarë.[13] By the end of January, it was still not clear whether the PS would run alone or with a coalition.[14] Edi Rama stated that his party had selected a candidate for every region besides Vlorë and Durrës.[15]

Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the Central Election Commission, stated that neither Enkelejd Alibeaj nor Sali Berisha were allowed to register their candidates as the Democratic party of Albania before the deadline was on 7 March, meaning that the PD would not be allowed to run in the upcoming local elections.[16]

In February 2023, controversy formed around the alleged connections between prime minister Edi Rama and Charles McGonigal, who was believed to be connected with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, and was also separately indicted for allegedly accepting payments from former Albanian intelligence agent Agron Neza.[17][18][19][20]

On 3 March 2023, the Democratic Party of Albania was given to Enkelejd Alibeaj.[21][22] Originally, the Tirana Courts had originally accepted Sali Berisha's appeal.[23] However, on 11 March 2023, Alibeaj was not allowed to register the Democratic Party with the CEC, allegedly for lack of proper documentation. In fact, it appeared that Lulzim Basha was still the leader of the party, even though Basha had declared his resignation in March 2022. However, Basha had never finalized his resignation in any written source. Alibeaj announced he would appeal against the decision of the CEC.[24]

Berisha's candidates were not allowed to register as the Democratic Party, but instead under the list of Ilir Meta's party. On 15 March 2023, Berisha and Meta announced that their coalition would be called Bashkë Fitojmë ("Together we win"). It would consist of the PBDNJ, the Freedom Party of Albania, Demochristian Party, and the majority of the PD.[25] Several Alibeaj's candidates would ultimately resign or endorse Berisha's candidates.[26][27][28][29]

By-elections of March 2022

[edit]

After the results of the 2019 elections, by-elections were announced on March 6, 2022, as at the time there was no elected mayor in Vorë, Dibër, Shkodër, Lushnjë, Rrogozhine and Durrës. Several candidates that had been elected in June 2019 had not taken office either due to their death, or they had been arrested on corruption charges.[30][31]

Between the 2019 elections and the March 2022 by-elections, Sali Berisha had been expelled from the PD by the party's leadership. However, he had previously personally conducted a party congress in which participants had deposed the party leadership of Lulzim Basha.[32][33]

In the partial elections of the aforementioned six municipalities, a candidate from the Democratic Party and a Berisha candidate ran alongside a candidate from the Socialist Party. The Berisha loyalist candidates ran under the coalition name Shtëpia e Lirisë ("House of Freedom").[34][35] In all communities, House of Freedom candidates received significantly more votes than the official PD representatives. Berisha's candidate managed to win in Shkodër, while the rest of the municipalities were won by the Socialist Party.[36]

In the three voting stations of Bruçaj, Ndrejaj and Palaj, small villages in the northern mountains of Albania, elections were not held due to bad weather from heavy snowfall causing power cuts.[37]

Results from the partial election[38]
Districts Turnout Winner Political party PS PD SHeL
Vorë 41.04% Blerim Shera Socialist Party 69.39% 6.29% 24.33%
Dibër 41.99% Rahim Spahiu Socialist Party 60.82% 19.28% 19.46%
Lushnjë 35.88% Eriselda Sefa Socialist Party 58.80% 10.43% 30.77%
Shkodër 28.05% Bardh Spahia House of Freedom 39.51% 16.82% 43.67%
Durrës 26.57% Emiriano Sako Socialist Party 58.47% 11.85% 29.68%
Rrogozhinë 28.45% Edison Memolla Socialist Party 60.73% 21.96% 17.31%

Parties and coalitions

[edit]
Number Party Acronym Chairman Coalition
1 Together We Win Coalition[a] BF Sali Berisha and Ilir Meta Bashkë Fitojmë
2 Socialist Party of Albania PS Edi Rama Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
3 Environmentalist Agrarian Party PAA Agron Duka
4 Republican Party of Albania PRSH Fatmir Mediu
5 Legality Movement Party PLL Shpetim Axhami
6 Social Democracy Party of Albania PDS Paskal Milo
7 Right Liberal Alliance[b] ALD Artur Roshi Aleanca Liberale e Djathë
8 Social Democratic Party of Albania PSD Tom Doshi
9 Democratic Party of Albania PD Enkelejd Alibeaj
10 Movement for National Development LZHK Dashamir Shehi
11 New Democratic Spirit FRD Sali Shehu
12 Party for Justice, Integration and Unity PDIU Shpëtim Idrizi
13 Party of Europeanisation and Integration of Albania PEISH Rivelino Çuno
14 Democratic Alliance AD Eduard Abazi
15 Democratic Conviction BD Astrit Patozi
16 Party for the Protection of the Rights of Immigrants of Albania PMDE Ymer Kurti
17 National Arbnore Alliance AAK Gjet Ndoj
18 National Front Party PBK Adriatik Alimadhi
19 Party Alliance for Democracy and Solidarity ADS Gaqo Apostoli
20 Albanian Labor Movement PLPSH Genci Sakaj
21 Left Front FM Marko Dajti
22 Party of Albanian National Unity PUK Idajet Beqiri
23 Green Party of Albania PGJ Edlir Petanaj
24 Conservative Party KONS Bashkim Murati
25 New Movement Party LRE Arian Galdini
26 Alliance for Equality and European Justice ABDE Valentino Mustaka
27 National Conservative Party of Albania PKKA Kujtim Gjuzi
28 Party Defending the Rights of Albanian Workers PMDPSH Kadri Isufaj
29 Macedonian Alliance for European Integration AMIE Vasil Sterjovski Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
30 Albanian Emigration Party PESh Kostaq Papa
31 Albanian Democratic Reforms Party PRDSh Krenar Rryci
32 Communist Party of Albania PKSH Qemal Cicollari
33 Albanian Time Party POSH Zef Shtjefni
34 Christian Democratic Party of Albania PKD Dhimiter Muslia
35 Hashtag Initiative NTH Endrit Shabani
36 Together Movement BASHKË Arlind Qori
37 Greek Ethnic Minority for the Future MEGA Kristo Kiço
38 Christian Democratic Alliance of Albania ADK Zef Bushati
39 Albanian Demochristian League LDK Mhil Gecaj
40 Albanian Future Party PASH Emin Subashi

Polls

[edit]

Tirana

Pollster Date PS BF PD LB Dont know Abstention Lead
EuroNews Albania 8 May 2023 44.9 18.6 6.4 1.1 20.2 7.1 26.3
EuroNews Albania 14 April 2023 42.1 28.7 1.4 0.8 20.2 6.6 13.4
EuroNews Albania 17 March 2023 45.8 23.8 - - 21.9 8.5 22
EuroNews Albania February 2023 45.6 21 - - 24.4 9 24.6

Mayoral results

[edit]

Every mayor participated, including prior ones from 2022. The results are as follows:[39]

County City Mayor Party Alliance
Berat Berat Ervin Demo Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Kuçova Kreshnik Hajdari Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Poliçan Adriatik Zotkaj Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Skrapar Adriatik Mema Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Dimal Juliana Memaj Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Dibër Bulqizë Festime Mjeshtri Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Dibër Rrahim Spahiu Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Klos Valbona Kola Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Mat Agron Malaj Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Durrës Durrës Emiriana Sako Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Krujë Artur Bushi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Shijak Elton Arbana Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Elbasan Belsh Arif Tafani Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Cërrik Andis Salla Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Elbasan Gledian Llatja Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Gramsh Besion Ajazi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Librazhd Mariglen Disha Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Peqin Bukurosh Maçi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Përrenjas Nuri Belba Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Fier Divjakë Josif Gorrea Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Fier Armando Subashi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Lushnjë Eriselda Sefa Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Mallakastër Qerim Ismailaj Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Patos Fatjon Duro Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Roskovec Majlinda Bufi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Gjirokastër Dropull Dhimitraq Toli Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Gjirokastër Flamur Golemi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Këlcyra Kelmet Ndoni Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Libohovë Leonard Hide Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Memaliaj Albert Malaj Together We Win Bashkë Fitojmë
Përmet Alma Hoxha Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Tepelena Termet Peçi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Korçë Devoll Eduard Duro Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Kolonja Erion Isaj Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Korça Sotiraq Filo Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Maliq Gezim Topçiu Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Pogradec Ilir Xhakolli Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Pustec Pali Kolefeski Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Kukës Has Miftar Dauti Together We Win Bashkë Fitojmë
Kukës Safet Gjici Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Tropojë Rexhe Byberi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Lezhë Kurbin Majlinda Cara Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Lezhë Pjerin Ndreu Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Mirditë Albert Mëlyshi Together We Win Bashkë Fitojmë
Shkodër Fushë-Arrëz Hilë Curri Together We Win Bashkë Fitojmë
Malësia e Madhe Tonin Marinaj Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Pukë Rrok Dodaj Together We Win Bashkë Fitojmë
Shkodër Benet Beci Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Vau i Dejës Kristian Shkreli Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Tirana Kamëz Rakip Suli Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Kavajë Fisnik Qosja Together We Win Bashkë Fitojmë
Rrogozhinë Edison Memolla Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Tirana Erion Veliaj Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Vorë Blerim Shera Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Vlorë Delvinë Besmir Veli Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Finiq Romeo Çakuli Greek Ethnic Minority for the Future
Himarë Dhionisios Alfred Beleri[c] Together We Win Bashkë Fitojmë
Konispol Ergest Duli Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Sarandë Oltian Çaçi Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Selenicë Nertil Bellaj Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane
Vlorë Ermal Dredha Socialist Party Aleanca për Shqipërinë Europiane

Mayoral results of follow-up by-elections

[edit]
Results from the partial election[40]
Date Districts Turnout Winner Political party Socialist Together We Win
23 Jul 2023 Rrogozhinë 36.15% Edison Memolla Socialist Party 57.58% 42.42%
24 Sep 2023 Kukës 45.29% Albert Halilaj Socialist Party 63.67% 36.33%
04 Aug 2024 Himarë 37.61% Vangjel Tavo Socialist Party 58.62% 41.38%

Municipal council results

[edit]

All council seats were being elected.

County Municipality Council Seats Vote Share BF

(Together we Win)

Vote Share PS

(Socialist Party)

Vote Share PD

(Democratic Party)

Other parties and independent candidates Largest party
Berat Berat 31 7 20 3 1 PS
Dimal 21 3 11 4 3 PS
Kuçova 31 8 18 3 2 PS
Poliçan 15 1 13 1 0 PS
Skrapar 15 5 8 0 2 PS
Dibër Bulqizë 21 3 9 1 8 PS
Dibër 31 5 13 1 12 PS
Klos 21 2 6 1 12 PS
Mat 21 2 9 2 8 PS
Durrës Durrës 51 13 28 5 5 PS
Krujë 31 5 11 2 13 PS
Shijak 21 4 12 2 3 PS
Elbasan Belsh 21 2 10 3 6 PS
Cërrik 21 3 11 2 5 PS
Elbasan 51 12 28 7 4 PS
Gramsh 21 2 6 1 12 PS
Librazhd 21 3 13 1 4 PS
Peqin 21 4 9 3 5 PS
Përrenjas 21 3 9 2 7 PS
Fier Divjakë 31 5 18 4 4 PS
Fier 51 7 33 4 7 PS
Lushnjë 41 7 24 4 6 PS
Mallakastër 21 2 9 3 7 PS
Patos 21 3 16 1 1 PS
Roskovec 21 7 12 0 2 PS
Gjirokastër Dropull 21 3 15 0 3 PS
Gjirokastër 31 5 21 2 3 PS
Këlcyra 15 1 3 1 10 PS
Libohovë 15 5 8 2 0 PS
Memaliaj 15 3 7 2 3 PS
Përmet 15 1 9 1 4 PS
Tepelena 15 1 11 1 2 PS
Korçë Devoll 21 4 9 2 6 PS
Kolonja 15 2 10 0 3 PS
Korça 41 9 23 2 7 PS
Maliq 31 6 20 2 3 PS
Pogradec 31 5 19 2 5 PS
Pustec 15 4 5 0 6 PS
Kukës Has 21 3 4 1 13 PS
Kukës 31 4 4 1 22 PS
Tropojë 21 4 4 0 13 PS
Lezhë Kurbin 31 6 9 1 15 PS
Lezhë 41 6 9 2 24 PS
Mirditë 21 2 4 2 13 PS
Shkodër Fushë-Arrëz 15 1 2 1 11 PSD
Malësia e Madhe 31 3 6 3 19 PSD
Pukë 15 1 2 1 11 PSD
Shkodër 51 13 18 5 15 PS
Vau i Dejës 31 7 7 3 14 PSD
Tirana Kamëz 41 11 19 3 8 PS
Kavajë 31 9 13 3 6 PS
Rrogozhinë 21 4 9 3 5 PS
Tirana 61 15 34 4 8 PS
Vorë 21 4 13 0 4 PS
Vlorë Delvinë 15 3 8 1 3 PS
Finiq 21 5 7 2 7 PS
Himarë 21 7 9 1 4 PS
Konispol 15 3 7 1 4 PS
Sarandë 31 4 12 3 12 PS
Selenicë 21 1 8 2 10 PS
Vlorë 51 9 33 3 6 PS

Full results by party/coalition:

Party/Coalition Leader Votes Percentage of Votes Seats
Socialist Party of Albania Edi Rama 579,614 43.11% 758
Together We Win[d] Sali Berisha 247,880 18.44% 292
Democratic Party of Albania Enkelejd Alibea 103,719 7.71% 123
Social Democratic Party of Albania Tom Doshi 86,281 6.42% 116
Environmentalist Agrarian Party of Albania Agron Duka 44,047 3.28% 52
Albanian Republican Party Fatmir Mediu 32,070 2.39% 34
Party for Justice, Integration and Unity Shpëtim Idrizi 28,977 2.16% 25
Legality Movement Party Shpetim Axhami 23,683 1.76% 21
Green Party of Albania Edlir Petanaj 16,326 1.21% 20
Progressive Alliance [e] Dashamir Shehi 22,906 1.70% 19
Social Democracy Party Paskal Milo 21,798 1.62% 18
National Arbnore Alliance Gjet Ndoj 11,680 0.87% 18
New Democratic Spirit Sali Shehu 18,458 1.37% 17
Coalition “Right Liberal Alliance” [f] Artur Roshi 16,858 1.25% 13
Democratic Alliance of Albania Eduard Abazi 6,129 0.46% 10
Albanian Future Party Emin Subashi 6,963 0.52% 8
Christian Democratic Party Dhimiter Muslia 6,211 0.46% 8
Greek Ethnic Minority for the Future Party Kristo Kiço 2,275 0.17% 8
Independent candidates 7,165 0.53% 7
Hashtag Initiative Endrit Shabani 10,804 0.80% 5
National Front Party Adriatik Alimadhi 7,611 0.57% 5
Christian Democratic Alliance of Albania Zef Bushati 6,373 0.47% 5
Party Alliance for Democracy and Solidarity Gaqo Apostoli 4,647 0.35% 5
National Unity Party Idajet Beqiri 5,592 0.42% 4
Democratic Conviction Astrit Patozi 4,226 0.31% 4
National Conservative Party of Albania Kujtim Gjuzi 1,881 0.14% 4
Macedonian Alliance for European Integration Vasil Sterjovski 439 0.03% 3
Party of Albanian Democratic Reforms Skender Halili 1,383 0.1% 2
Albanian Labour Movement Genci Sakaj 546 0.04% 2
Together Movement Arlind Qori 7,539 0.56% 1
Conservative Party Bashkim Murati 2,767 0.21% 1
Alliance for Equality and European Justice Valentino Mustaka 1,125 0.08% 1
New Movement Arian Galdini 966 0.07% 1
Communist Party of Albania Qemal Cicollari 914 0.07% 1
Party for the Defence of the Rights of the Emigrants Ymer Kurti 886 0.07% 1
Left Front Marko Dajti 270 0.02% 1

Reactions

[edit]

Edi Rama and the PS was able to keep control on a majority of municipalities and thanked voters for entrusting him. However, the opposition claimed election misconduct, stating that they were not allowed to count ballots in every district. Berisha and other members of the opposition argued it was unfair to have given the opposition an odd number of vote counters. Together We Win was only allowed to count ballots in 50% of the country.[41] Vote buying was the biggest accusation from the opposition.[42][43] Workers of every municipality had shown up on election day waiting outside every polling station.[44]

Opposition groups also claimed that in the three districts that did use an electronic voting system, Vorë, Kamëz, and Elbasan, there were failures in the electronic identification system.[45][46][47] Some workers also claimed that they voted for an opposition candidate, only for their vote to show up for the Socialist candidate.[48] The CEC has argued that this is not possible. Several political groups of the opposition argued the electronic voting system violated the election codes.[49][50]

On 16 June 2023, the elected mayor for Kukës, Safet Gjici, resigned following a leaked sex tape in the municipal office.[51] He was caught with a female worker giving him oral sex. He resigned effective immediately, which caused a by-election to be held.

The Council of Europe stated that the elections were "well-administered, lacked women as candidates and in administration, and lacked focus on local issues"[52]

On 5 March 2024, mayor-elect of Himarë Dhionisios Alfred Beleri, who had been arrested on 12 May 2023, two days before the election, was sentenced to two years in prison for alleged vote buying.[53] The previous mayor, Jorgo Goro, continued to serve his term in the meantime, as Beleri was not allowed to complete his oath to be sworn in as mayor.

On 23 March 2024, Jorgo Goro was himself arrested by SPAK for corruption.[54][55]

On 4 August 2024, Vangjel Tavo was the candidate of the Socialist Party for the repeat elections in the municipality of Himarë and won his opponent, Petro Gjikuria, who was supported by the coalition of the opposition Together We Win.[56]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Coalition led by Berisha-led PD faction, PL, PBDNJ, PDK
  2. ^ Coalition led by Artur Roshi which consists of PBKD, BLD, PBD
  3. ^ As indicated on the KQZ website
  4. ^ Coalition led by Berisha-led PD faction, PL, PBDNJ, PDK
  5. ^ Coalition led by Dashamir Shehi
  6. ^ Coalition led by Artur Roshi which consists of PBKD, BLD, PBD

References

[edit]
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