TIRANA, Oct 30 /ATA/ President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has set 9 May 2027 as the date for Albania’s next local elections.
The Electoral Code stipulates that local elections must take place during the spring electoral period, which covers four Sundays between 15 April and 15 May.
Before announcing the date, Begaj held consultations with all political parties represented in Parliament and the State Election Commissioner, who represents Albania’s election administration.
The Socialist Party parliamentary group, the Social Democratic Party and the State Election Commissioner responded to the President’s invitation to consultations.
The other political parties chose not to take part in the consultations and did not publicly express any preference regarding the election date.
The parties consulted expressed their willingness to consider any of the proposed dates. The State Election Commissioner recommended 9 May 2027, the final Sunday within the statutory election period, on the grounds that it would allow more time to make the necessary preparations. The Social Democratic Party also favoured this date.
The President stressed that choosing 9 May 2027 was not intended to give any particular political party an advantage or to exert any undue influence on the electorate’s free and independent choice.
Accordingly, President of the Republic formally decreed 9 May 2027 as the date for the local elections.
On this occasion, Begaj called on political parties to contest the elections with policy proposals, platforms and candidates worthy of this fundamental democratic process.
Begaj called on all parties to engage in fair and responsible electoral competition, uphold the legal framework and ensure a level playing field, while co-operating fully with the Central Election Commission (CEC) to guarantee an exemplary process that meets the highest democratic standards.
