At the end of preliminary verification of self-declaration forms (decriminalisation), pursuant to the law no.138/2015 “On guaranteeing the integrity of individuals who are elected, appointed or exercise public functions”, in the context of assessment of declarations of the candidates running in May 14, 2023 elections, the State Election Commissioner decided to send for an in depth verification to the General Prosecutor’s Office the following candidates:

1. Mr. Hasan Bejaj, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject Party “Democratic Alliance of Albania”, for the Municipality of Selenica”;

2. Mr. Ilir Aruçi, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Republican Party”, for Shijak Municipality”;

3. Mr. Ilir Mollaj, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Legality Movement” Party for Mirdita Municipality”;

4. Mr. Elis Doçi, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Together we Win “Coalition for Shkodër Municipality”;

5. Mr. Erlin Braçja, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Party of Albanian Democratic Reforms” for Gramsh Municipality;

6. Mr. Gazmir Albrahimi, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Together we Win “Coalition, for Divjak Municipality”;

7. Mr. Ervin Muharremi, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Conservative” Party, for Klos Municipality”;

8. Mr. Ilir Marku, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Albanian Republican” Party, for Lushnjë Municipality;

9. Mr. Artur Karriqi, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Together we Win “Coalition for Prrenjas Municipality;

10. Mr. Ronald Zhezha, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Together we Win “Coalition for Fier Municipality”;

11. Mr. Gentjan Muça, candidate for member of the municipal council, proposed by the electoral subject “Democratic Party” for the Municipality of Tirana”.

During today’s public session, the Commissioner continued the administrative investigation of several mayors and people responsible for reporting public activities, for administrative violations ahead of local government elections. At the end of the review, the Commissioner decided to drop the administrative proceedings and did not find a violation of the Electoral Code and decision no. 9/2020, of the Regulatory Commission for:

1. The mayors of Cërrik, Delvinë, Dibër, Fier, Fushë-Arrëz, Gjirokastër, Gramsh, Himare, Klos, Kamëz, Kurbin, Lezhë, Mat, Memaliaj, Rrogozhinë, Konispol, Patos, Përmet, Saranda, Shkodër, Tirana, Tropoja , Elbasan, Korcë;

2. The Director of  Local Police Directorate of Tirana;

3. Persons responsible for reporting public activities in the municipalities of Elbasan, Lushnjë, Berat, Vorë, Gjirokastër, Dibër, Cërrik, Pogradec, Kuccovë, Kamëz, Himarë, Divjakë, Pukë, Finiq, Konispol, Maliq;

4. The person responsible for reporting public activities to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy;

In addition, the Commissioner concluded that administrative violations were found and proposed to the Commission of Complaints and Sanctions the following administrative measures for:

1. The mayor of Lushnje, a fine of 5,000 ALL;

2. The person responsible for reporting public activities, in Lushnjë Municipality, a fine of 5,000 ALL;

3. The person responsible for reporting public activities, in Tropoja Municipality a, fine of 5,000 ALL.