President Bajram Begaj has promulgated the new law on the administrative and territorial division of local government units, paving the way for the revised map to take effect in the local elections on May 9, 2027.

The law, numbered 100/2026, establishes a new structure of 46 municipalities. Voters will elect local leaders under the revised administrative division at next year’s elections.

The Assembly approved the territorial reform on October 9, 2026, after a session lasting more than 14 hours. The debate featured sharp exchanges between the ruling majority and the opposition. The bill received 85 votes in favour and 34 against, with no abstentions.

The reform reduces the number of municipalities to 46, while the existing division into 12 counties remains unchanged.

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