“Together We Win” coalition candidate, Fredi Beleri won the race for the municipality of Himara, despite being behind bars.
Beleri was arrested only two days ahead of the May 14th local elections and is accused of being involved in vote buying.
There are some scenarios as to what could happen in this municipality and how the issue can be resolved.
Citing the usual legal practice, Euronews Albania journalist, Ardit Hoxha reports that the Central Election Commission could announce a vacancy for the municipality of Tirana and give way to partial local elections, should Beleri be sentenced to jail by a final ruling.
Another scenario would include the involvement of PM Edi Rama. Through the power vested in him by the law, the prime minister could choose to discharge Beleri from duty, even if there is no final ruling for his case. Rama could do so, simply based on the criminal charges against Beleri.
There is a third scenario as well. After the CEC gives Beleri his mandate, he will have to be sworn in front of the municipal council of Himara. To do so, Beleri should take permission from the prison directorate where he is being held. If he is granted permission and is allowed to lead the municipality from prison, this could lead to a legal deadlock.
Another hindrance could precisely be the minority in the municipal council. The citizens of Himara voted for Beleri, but not for the coalition he represents.
Socialist Party candidate Jorgo Goro, who only lost the race by 19 votes, could ask for a recount, hoping to find human error during the process.
