Election Appeals Commission affirms Himara election results

The Appeals and Sanctions Commission of the Central Election Commission has declared the results of the partial elections in Himara, which saw socialist Vangjel Tavo as the winner, to be indisputable. The request from the opposition coalition “Together We Win,” led by the political opposition duo Meta-Berisha, to nullify the election results was unanimously rejected by the Appeals Commission. The Commission assessed that no violations were found that would alter the election outcome.

Why is this significant

Although the opposition can still appeal the ruling of the Appeals Commission in the Electoral College, today’s decision and the findings of the Commission that pour cold water on the opposition’s claims indicate that the Himara saga, that led to acrimony not just between the majority and opposition within Albania but also between Albania and Greece, is finally coming to an end.

Context

The decision followed a review of election materials from all 36 ballot boxes. According to representatives of the Central Election Commission, the review debunked the opposition’s claims that 6,000 citizens were denied the right to vote due to expired identity cards. Examination of the records revealed that only 169 voters failed to cast their ballots.

The opposition has five days to appeal the Appeals and Sanctions Commission’s decision to the Electoral College, which is the final step in contesting the election results. If no further appeals are made, Vangjel Tavo will proceed with his inauguration as the new mayor of Himara.