Begaj sets May 9, 2027, for local elections after consultation attended only by PS, PSD and the election commissioner

President Bajram Begaj on Friday decreed May 9, 2027, as the date for elections to local government bodies. Under the Electoral Code, the vote must take place within the spring election period, which includes four Sundays between April 15 and May 15; the chosen date is the last of them.

Consultation without the opposition

Before the decree, Begaj had invited all political forces represented in Parliament and the State Election Commissioner to consultations. According to the presidency, only the Socialist Party (PS) parliamentary group, the Social Democratic Party and the commissioner responded, while the other parties stayed away and made no preference public. The commissioner suggested May 9, arguing that it allows more time for implementing measures, and the PSD also preferred that date. Begaj stressed that the choice does not favor any side and called on parties to hold a “fair, committed and loyal” race and to cooperate fully with the Central Election Commission (KQZ).

Balla: A boycott is no solution

Socialist group leader Taulant Balla said after meeting the president that PS calls on all political forces and movements to take part, because “boycotting the elections is not a solution.” After the decree, he linked the date to Europe Day and said the Socialists would compete with the goal of winning all 46 of the country's municipalities. According to Balla, 2027 is decisive for closing negotiations with the EU.

PD: We are not boycotting

Democratic Party (PD) leader Sali Berisha, asked about the local elections the same day, said his party is not boycotting them. He repeated that in PD's view Albania has “no elections, but an electoral farce,” but added that the Democrats would use “every opportunity” within the system to fight the government.