Greek diplomatic sources have called on Tirana to address allegations concerning the integrity of the electoral process in Himara.
“Allegations made by members of the Greek ethnic minority in Albania regarding the conditions under which the repeat municipal elections in the Municipality of Himara were conducted, particularly about the alleged manipulation of the voter registry and the denial of the constitutional right to vote for thousands of Himara citizens under the pretext of expired identification cards, raise serious doubts about the integrity of the process,” these sources stated.
“The principles of democracy and the European acquis demand that Albanian authorities evaluate and respond to all reports related to the integrity of yesterday’s elections,” they added.
Following the vote count, the candidate of the Socialist Party of Edi Rama, Vangjel Tavo, emerged victorious with 58.62%, securing 4,858 votes. Petros Gikourias garnered 41.38% with 3,400 votes.
The vote counting began shortly after midnight on Sunday at the electoral commission center. Both candidates were present in the room, along with MP and President of KEAD Vangjel Dule, and MP and Secretary-General of the Socialist Party Blendi Klosi.
Freddy Beleri, on his part, accused the Albanian Prime Minister of manipulating the election results, stating that, for the first time, holders of old identification cards were barred from exercising their voting rights in the region.
Winner Vangjel Tavo thanked Rama for his support and extended an invitation to Petros Gikourias to assume the role of deputy mayor.
Beleri’s statements: “I will continue to fight, it’s only a matter of time before we turn the page”
New Democracy MEP Freddy Beleri emphasized that he will continue to fight not only from Brussels and Athens but primarily from his hometown of Himara.
“I will continue to fight, not only from Brussels and Athens but primarily from my hometown, Himara. And I am confident that it’s only a matter of time before we turn the page, as we did in May 2023, before our victory was stolen,” he said, referring to the victory of Edi Rama’s “chosen one,” Vangjel Tavo.
