On Tuesday, September 30, the High Court of Albania announced the appointment of Asim Vokshi as a new member of the Constitutional Court, one of the country’s most important judicial institutions. The decision follows a voting process within the Special Assembly of judges, where three candidates competed for the seat.
During the session, candidate Naureda Llagami received eight votes, Asim Vokshi secured six, while Florian Ballhysa received none. Despite none of the candidates achieving the required three-fifths majority, Vokshi was automatically declared the winner. This was due to the scoring system established by the Justice Appointments Council, which had ranked him highest after the interview and evaluation process.
Vokshi will now take over the position from acting chair Holta Zaçaj, marking a significant development in Albania’s judicial landscape.
The Dispute Over Holta Zaçaj’s Mandate
The appointment of Asim Vokshi comes after a prolonged institutional dispute regarding the mandate of acting chair Holta Zaçaj. Zaçaj was appointed in January 2023 following the departure of former Constitutional Court head Vitore Tusha.
According to the High Court, Zaçaj’s mandate was part of the court’s renewal scheme, which foresees the replacement of three members every three years. Based on this interpretation, her term was expected to expire on March 10, 2025, with the vacancy needing to be declared by December 10, 2024.
Since no such declaration was made, the High Court proceeded to announce the vacancy on December 11, effectively opening the way for Vokshi’s appointment. However, this decision sparked controversy. Zaçaj argued that she had been appointed to a full nine-year mandate, not simply to complete Tusha’s unfinished term.
This difference in interpretation created a rare clash between Albania’s High Court and the Constitutional Court, raising questions about judicial independence, the rule of law, and institutional balance within the country’s legal system.
Who Is Asim Vokshi?
Although less well-known to the public compared to his counterparts, Asim Vokshi has earned recognition within the legal community for his expertise and professional track record. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Constitutional Court, which plays a decisive role in interpreting Albania’s Constitution, overseeing the balance of powers, and safeguarding fundamental rights.
Vokshi’s professional background and his high evaluation score by the Justice Appointments Council were decisive factors in his selection, especially since none of the candidates reached the qualified majority required by law.
The Importance of the Constitutional Court in Albania
The Constitutional Court of Albania has a critical role in ensuring the separation of powers and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights. In recent years, the court has been at the center of high-profile legal and political debates, particularly during Albania’s justice reform process, which began in 2016 under EU monitoring.
The replacement of Holta Zaçaj with Asim Vokshi highlights the continuing challenges of implementing judicial reform in a country still working to strengthen its democratic institutions and guarantee judicial independence.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Asim Vokshi may bring new dynamics to the Constitutional Court, but the institutional disputes surrounding Zaçaj’s mandate underline the complexity of judicial governance in Albania.
Moving forward, legal experts and civil society will closely monitor how this change will impact the court’s functioning, its independence, and its ability to address sensitive constitutional issues.
What remains clear is that the Constitutional Court continues to be at the heart of Albania’s democratic development, and every appointment shapes the future of justice in the country.