Opposition attacks President’s decision on Himara by-election

The opposition has criticized the President’s decision to set August 4th as the date for the Himara by-election, labeling it unconstitutional.

Context

Following the Central Election Commission’s removal of Fredi Beleri from his position as mayor of Himara, the President of the Republic swiftly announced August 4th as the date for partial elections in Himara. The head of state received notification of the vacancy in the municipality through a letter from the Secretary General of the Prime Minister, which requested, in compliance with the law, the announcement of the election date.

However, the opposition has condemned President Bajram Begaj’s decision as unconstitutional. They argue that the President should have waited for the appeal process concerning their candidate, Fredi Beleri.

According to the opposition, the decision to declare the election date without awaiting the appeal deadlines is purely political and violates the law. Echoing allegations frequently made by Greece, they assert that Fredi Beleri is a political prisoner of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

In response, the President stated in a press release that announcing the election date does not impede the appeals process. He emphasized his constitutional obligation to announce the date within 48 hours of receiving the notice of vacancy.

Fredi Beleri was sentenced to two years in prison for vote-buying by a first-instance court decision, a verdict upheld by the Special Court of Appeals against Corruption and Organized Crime. This legal outcome paved the way for the Central Election Commission to strip Beleri of his mandate. Under Albania’s decriminalization law, individuals convicted by court decision are ineligible for election or appointment to public office.

Beleri did not assume the responsibilities of mayor for a single day, nor did he manage to take the oath of office, as he was arrested two days before the elections while allegedly engaged in vote-buying activities.