The Albanian Parliament has notified the Central Election Commission (CEC) of the early termination of the mandate of the Socialist MP and former Deputy Prime Minister, Arben Ahmetaj.
In a letter addressed to the State Election Commissioner on January 8, it is stated that, “The Parliament of Albania informs you of the premature termination of the mandate of the SP deputy, Arben Ahmetaj, due to his unjustified absence for over 6 consecutive months in the Parliament. This is because the last plenary session where Deputy Arben Ahmetaj participated was on July 6, 2023”.
“In accordance with the Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, the Parliament of Albania has a legal obligation to notify the Central Election Commission of the vacancy creation,” emphasized in the Parliament’s letter.
Based on the ranking of the Socialist Party candidates for the Tirana district, Ahmetaj’s mandate is expected to be taken by Dallëndyshe Bici, who won 4,977 votes through preferential voting and ranked 21st on the SP candidate list for Tirana.
If Bici does not accept the mandate and continues to stay at the head of the Cadaster, the right to take Ahmetaj’s mandate goes to Plarent Ndreca, who secured 4,008 votes in the 2021 elections in Tirana.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj has been on the run for the past 6 months. He is internationally wanted as he is accused by the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) of corruption and concealing the proceeds of criminal activity.
