Even though in prison under accusations for vote buying, the Central Election Commission approved the mandate for Fredi Beleri, who was elected mayor in the Municipality of Himara in the May 14th local elections. The “Together We Win” ethnic Greek candidate triumphed against Socialist Party candidate Jorgo Goro, by a very tight difference in votes.
It is yet unclear if Beleri will assume duty, as he has another procedural hindrance to overcome; that of taking the oath in front of the Municipal Council, where there is a majority of councilors from the Socialist Party.
Beleri, alongside the other arrested person involved in vote buying, Pandeli Kokaveshi appealed the ruling of the First Instance of the Special Court, which left them in prison on the charge of active corruption in the elections carried out in cooperation. Beleri requested the dismissal of the case, claiming there is no evidence to support the criminal offense for which he stands accused.
Meanwhile, Kokaveshi asked the Court for a milder measure other than “prison arrest”, claiming that his health situation endangers his life in isolation. The Court of Appeal is expected to draw a lot and determine the judge to hear the case. Beleri was transferred to prison 313 of Tirana, while Kokaveshi remains hospitalized in the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center.
In other news, the Central Election Commission also approved the elections result for 12 municipal councils and 11 other mandates for mayor, besides Beleri.
