Today, 473 polling stations will be placed under police guard, while the premises serving as the Electoral Zones (KZAZ) have already been secured by the police, starting from the moment the election materials arrived.

As part of the security plan approved by the General Directorate of the Albanian State Police, the briefing and training of police officers has been completed in the five municipalities, where mayoral by-elections will be held on Sunday.

The police also confirmed that leadership teams have been established in local police stations, and a Coordination Group has been set up within the Regional Directorate of Police (DVP) to manage and oversee the electoral process in real time, in coordination with the General Directorate of the State Police. This structure will ensure the smooth running of the process and effectively manage any potential issues, in line with the special security plan in place.

The Albanian State Police urges citizens to report any incidents that could undermine their right to vote or manipulate the electoral process.

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The DP senior official accused President Begaj of overstepping his constitutional powers by approving elections in Tirana, where outgoing mayor Erion Veliaj has formally appealed his dismissal to the Constitutional Court.

“As we had already warned, Bajram Begaj is not the President of all Albanians, but a robot controlled by Edi Rama,” Bardhi wrote on social media, referring to the Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Socialist Party (SP).

He further claimed that the head of state had committed a “constitutional coup” by undermining the authority of the Constitutional Court and the rule of law.

“Today’s act by the President has plunged the mayoral by-elections in Tirana into a constitutional deadlock,” Bardhi said.

He argued that only the Constitution – not political opinion or government interpretations – determines the proper legal jurisdiction for reviewing the dismissal of an elected mayor.

Earlier today, President Bajram Begaj issued a decree setting November 9, 2025, as the date for partial local elections in six municipalities, including the capital Tirana, following notifications of mayoral vacancies from the Council of Ministers on September 30.

Elections will be held in the municipalities of Tirana, Vlorë, Berat, Mat, Tepelenë, and Cërrik. The vacancies in Vlorë, Berat, Mat, Tepelenë and Cërrik following the resignations of their respective mayors, while the post in Tirana was declared vacant after the mayor was dismissed last month by the Council of Ministers, based on a proposal by the Tirana City Council.

The City Council voted overwhelmingly – 50 in favor, one against – to call early elections in Tirana, citing the mayor’s prolonged absence from office.

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Addressing a meeting of the party’s chairmanship, Alibeaj said that after the Appeals Court ruling it is crucial for the main opposition DP to focus on the May 14 mayoral elections and the party should open to every democrat and the candidates elected in the primaries in particular.

“As we stated on Friday evening, the Appeals Court ruling represents a moment of special responsibility to assume fresh energies to grow and win the elections. We are aware of the difficulties, but we are also more determined than ever to succeed with all the DP supporters and our voters in close collaboration with the Western partners, namely the United States of America, the EU member states and the Great Britain,” he said.

Last week, the Appeals Court reversed a ruling from a lower court a year ago that recognized former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his supporters as the legally controlling faction of the DP.

The court had to clarify which of the two factions of the Democratic Party will be represented by the logo of the political force in upcoming local elections.

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The British diplomat took to the social media to underline that the campaign also represents an opportunity for parties and candidates to put forward clear political programmes that address the needs of citizens locally.

“Campaigning for the local by-elections on 6 March begins today. This is an opportunity for parties and candidates to put forward clear political programmes that address the needs of citizens locally. The Albanian people deserve a fair, inclusive and transparent electoral campaign that is free of any harmful rhetoric or intimidation and based on mutual respect. We encourage all voters to participate and make their voice heard,” UK Ambassador Alastair King-Smith said.

Mayoral by-elections will take place in Vorë, Dibër, Shkodër, Lushnjë, Rrogozhinë and Durrës. Mayors elected through by-elections will serve for only one year, as local elections are scheduled to take place in June 2023.

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