Businessman Petro Gjikuria to challenge Vangjel Tavo in Himara municipal elections
Albanian-American businessman Petro Gjikuria has emerged as the opposition candidate for mayor of Himara in the upcoming municipal elections on August 4th. His candidacy was proposed not by the largest opposition party, the Democratic Party, but rather by its ally, the Union for Human Rights Party.
Context
Gjikuria, in a letter announcing his candidacy, stated his commitment to running for the mayor’s office in Himara. Born in Himara himself, he has been involved in the culinary and hospitality industries in Greece and the USA for years.
Facing off against Gjikuria will be Vangjel Tavo, representing the socialist majority. Tavo is a seasoned politician with a 27-year career, having served multiple terms as a deputy, a ten-month stint as Minister of Health, and currently holds the position of Prefect of the Vlorë County. On the other hand, Gjikuria is relatively unknown to the residents of Himara, despite owning several enterprises in the hospitality sector in the area, due to having lived abroad in Greece and the USA for many years.
The early elections in Himara were announced last week by the President of the Republic, shortly after the Electoral College’s decision to invalidate Alfred Beleri’s mandate due to his conviction on charges of active corruption during elections.
The upcoming electoral contest in Himara is anticipated to be closely watched as both candidates vie for the mayorship of this historic coastal town, known for its cultural heritage and scenic beauty.
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