President Bajram Begaj has invited parliamentary parties to a consultation meeting on October 30 to discuss the date of the 2027 local elections. The vote is expected between April 15 and May 15. Begaj should announce the official date by November 9, following consultations with political representatives.

The Democratic Party has criticised the initiative. Its parliamentary group leader, Gazment Bardhi, called the meeting a political show and argued that the country needs concrete institutional action. Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla urged the opposition to attend and avoid boycotting the process.

Beyond the election date, territorial reform and the possible expansion of electronic voting and counting to more municipalities remain under discussion. Recent talks between the Central Election Commission and political parties have revealed differing positions on the technology. The president retains constitutional authority to set the election date.

The Democratic Party has yet to confirm its attendance at Thursday’s meeting. Meanwhile, the opposition continues to demand Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and early parliamentary elections before the local vote.

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