As the deadline to enter the race for the leadership of Albania’s Democratic Party (PD) approaches, new developments have emerged involving last-minute candidate applications and procedural disputes.
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| From the left: Alesia Balliu, Mereme Sela and Evi Kokalari |
Evi Kokalari publicly claimed that her application was not accepted by party officials. According to her statement, her lawyer attempted to submit the required documentation at 9:30 AM but was denied entry to the premises. She alleged that a security guard, after consulting with someone inside, informed the lawyer that envelopes were not being accepted. Despite clarifying that the submission was an official application, the lawyer was reportedly turned away. Kokalari stated that she would resend her documents via courier and electronically before the deadline, expressing frustration over the situation.
Meanwhile, journalist Elda Menga reported that Mereme Sela managed to enter the offices to proceed with her application, although it remains unclear whether her candidacy has been formally approved. At the same time, Alesia Balliu is said to have submitted her documents through an authorized representative, following standard procedures.
These last-minute efforts highlight procedural ambiguities and raise questions about transparency in the candidate registration process. The developments come at a critical moment for the Democratic Party, which is preparing to elect its new leader.
As of now, former Prime Minister Sali Berisha remains the only officially confirmed candidate in the race. It remains to be seen whether the late submissions will be accepted and whether the contest will broaden beyond a single contender.