Partial Local Elections/ Who Are the 13 Candidates Running on November 9 for the Leadership of 5 Municipalities?
The local elections of November 9 are now approaching and the race for the leadership of several major municipalities has taken concrete shape. Political parties and independent candidates announced the names a few weeks ago that will seek the trust of citizens, bringing to the stage figures with different profiles, from administration professionals and doctors, to architects, entrepreneurs and former high-ranking officials.
In Tepelena, Berat, Vlora, Cerrik and Mat, the confrontations are expected to be strong, with alternatives that aim to combine experience with the energy of the new generation. Below are presented the main candidates entering the race for the leadership of these municipalities.
Gabriel Guma - Tepelena Municipality (supported by the opposition)
Gabriel Guma is one of the youngest figures entering the race for the leadership of the Municipality of Tepelena. Born and raised in this city, he completed his studies in architecture and is engaged in local urban development projects and the requalification of public spaces. Guma is known in the community as a young entrepreneur who aims to bring a contemporary spirit and efficiency to local administration.
In his campaign, he is supported by the opposition spectrum and by new political forces, such as Adriatik Lapaj's "Albania Becomes." Despite his age, his candidacy is seen as an effort by a new generation of local leaders who seek to establish meritocracy and transparency in city governance.
At the center of his program are the tourist development of Tepelena, the creation of employment opportunities for young people, and the restoration of citizen trust in the municipal institution. He sees the local administration as a “partner of the citizen” and promises an open approach, with public consultation and community involvement.
Gramoz Sako - Tepelena Municipality (Socialist Party)
Gramoz Sako, originally from Tepelena, comes to the race for the leadership of the municipality after a long career of over 20 years in the field of national security. A graduate of the "Skënderbej" Land Forces Academy, he has held important positions in the structures of order and defense, among which the most important is that of Commander of the Republic Guard from 2013 to 2024. During this period, he has successfully passed the Vetting process in all three pillars: wealth, image and professional skills.
After completing his civil service, Sako has been involved in the private sector as a project manager and trainer in the field of public safety. He also holds a degree in “Criminal Law” and is certified as a “Senior Police Specialist”.
In his platform for Tepelena, Gramoz Sako emphasizes order, public services and local economic development. He promises disciplined administration and projects that strengthen infrastructure, seeing Tepelena as a center with tourist and historical potential that should be better exploited. Married and father of two daughters, Sako links his career to the concept of service to the community and the state.
Ervin Ceca - Berat Municipality (Socialist Party)
Ervin Ceca, currently head of the Fibank branch in Berat, is the Socialist Party's candidate for mayor. With an academic background in International Economics, obtained at the University of Padova, Italy, he has built a consolidated career in the banking sector and financial management.
In his current role, Ceca is recognized for his skills in market analysis, human resource management, and institutional representation of the banking sector in the community. During his interim leadership of the municipality following the resignation of the previous mayor, he focused on the continuation of public projects and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.
At the center of his vision is local economic development, improving urban infrastructure, and promoting cultural tourism. Ceca aims to position Berat as a sustainable economic and cultural center, taking full advantage of the city's UNESCO status.
Pavlo Shkarpa - Berat Municipality (supported by the opposition)
Pavlo Shkarpa is one of the most experienced figures entering the race to lead the Municipality of Berat. With a career spanning over four decades in urban planning and cultural heritage, he is known for his contribution to the city’s urban development projects. Founder of the “Antipatrea” Association, Shkarpa played a key role in the inclusion of Berat on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In his professional activity, he has authored the book “Revitalization in Albania” and has taught at the “Albanian University”. For his contributions to preserving the cultural identity of his city, he has been honored with the title “Grand Master of Labor”. Shkarpa is running as an independent candidate, supported by the opposition bloc, with a focus on sustainable development, the preservation of historical heritage and the modernization of local administration.
In his campaign, he seeks to combine professional expertise with civic vision, seeing Berat as an example of harmony between history and contemporary development.
Dionis Sota - Municipality of Vlora (independent, supported by the opposition)
Dionis Sota is a well-known name in the private tourism sector, with experience in international cooperation in Greece and Italy. Engaged in tourism development projects and a member of organizations such as the Rotary Club, he has gained recognition for his modern approach to management and efforts to promote Vlora as a European destination.
In the November 9 elections, he is running as an independent candidate with the slogan “A European Vlora for All”, supported by Adriatik Lapaj’s “Albania Becomes” movement and the opposition structure. At the center of his program are tourism, investments in infrastructure and efficient public services.
Sota emphasizes the need to depoliticize local administration and build a municipality that works in partnership with citizens. He aims to create a new image for Vlora, a clean, green city with European standards of urban management.
Brunilda Mersini - Municipality of Vlora (Socialist Party)
Brunilda Mersini is one of the most respected figures in Albanian medicine and has been the director of the Vlora Regional Hospital since 2014. A graduate of the "Mother Teresa" University and with the title of "Doctor of Medical Sciences", she is the author of studies on women's health and healthcare reforms.
In her career, Mersini has combined medical practice with public engagement. She served as a member of the Vlora Municipal and District Councils from 2012 to 2015, and in 2025 she was included in the Socialist Party's list of candidates for the Albanian Parliament. Appreciated for her professionalism, ethics and dedication, she speaks fluent English and Italian.
As a mayoral candidate, Mersini aims to bring the health management model to public administration. Her program includes improving urban services, increasing the quality of life, and strengthening transparency in local government. She sees Vlora as the city that can lead the transformation of the south of the country towards European standards.
Gjergj Nika - Municipality of Vlora (independent)
Gjergj Nika is a banker and business manager with a long career in the financial sector. He worked for the bank “Intesa San Paolo”, managing investments and developing successful strategies in the field of trade and supermarkets.
He was a member of the Vlora Municipal Council, where he proposed initiatives to reduce taxes for businesses and promote the economic climate in the city.
Florenc Doka - Municipality of Cërrik (Socialist Party)
Florenc Doka comes from the local administration, where he currently holds the position of Secretary General of the Municipality of Cërrik. With a degree in Law since 1999, he has extensive experience in state structures and local government institutions. He has served as legal director, deputy mayor and lawyer in central institutions such as the Health Insurance Fund.
In the period 2012–2014, Doka was responsible for the legal sector and social affairs at the Elbasan Penitentiary, while in the last seven years he has headed administrative affairs at the Cërrik Municipality. He is running under the banner of the Socialist Party with a platform for the continuation of initiated projects and the modernization of citizen services.
At the heart of his program are efficient management of public finances, local infrastructure, and support for small businesses. He aims to strengthen the partnership between the municipality and the community for sustainable social and economic development.
Amarildo Hoxha - Municipality of Cërrik (supported by the DP)
Amarildo Hoxha is a doctor and community activist representing the opposition in the race for the Municipality of Cerrik. With professional experience in the public health system, he is known for his commitment to social issues and care for the needy. Hoxha is running as an independent candidate, supported by the Democratic Party, with the aim of creating a more humane and efficient approach to local administration.
In his campaign, he has emphasized basic healthcare, urban hygiene, and transparency in the management of public funds. With a calm but professional tone, Hoxha seeks to bring the model of the doctor at the service of the community to the way the municipality functions.
His vision for Cerrik includes the development of public services, support for youth, and the promotion of civic volunteerism as a form of democratic participation.
Eligert Hima - Municipality of Cërrik (Coalition “Albania Becomes Initiative”)
Eligert Hima, 39, is a father of two and lives in Rome, Italy. He has completed his higher studies in Investigation and Criminology, and is a private investigator licensed by the Italian Ministry of the Interior. With over 20 years of experience, Hima has collaborated with Italian authorities in the fields of anti-terrorism, anti-mafia and anti-corruption. He also has experience in organizing tourist events and technical training. In 2021, he ran for council member in the Municipality of Rome. He is currently running on the list of the “Albania Initiative” Coalition for the Elbasan District, with the aim of bringing his experience and vision to the service of the country’s development.
Eduart Brahilika - Mat Municipality (supported by the opposition)
Eduart Brahilika is an independent candidate, supported by the Democratic Party, for the leadership of the Municipality of Mati. With experience in the legal field, he has been engaged over the years in defending justice issues and respecting the rights of citizens in the local system. Brahilika is known for his public stances on transparency and efforts to build accountable institutions.
In his campaign, he has emphasized the need for social justice and an administration that serves the citizen. As a lawyer, he sees local government as an honest contract between the citizen and the government, where responsibility and accountability are fundamental principles.
Brahilika aims for a municipality that functions on the basis of law and meritocracy, prioritizing supporting small businesses and improving basic services.
Altin Bojni - Mat Municipality (Socialist Party)
Altin Bojni is the official candidate of the Socialist Party for the Municipality of Mat. He has built a long career in public administration, previously heading the Post Office and the Burrel Prison, and is currently the head of the Public Health Directorate in Mat. With a financial background and experience in managing institutions, Bojni is known for his organizational skills and pragmatic approach to local governance.
In his platform, he envisions the consolidation of social services, the improvement of road infrastructure, and the strengthening of healthcare institutions. Bojni sees the municipality as a structure that must guarantee equal services for all citizens of the area.
He promises a transparent and effective administration, seeking continuity in initiated projects and the approach of new investments that can increase the well-being of the Matjan community.
Suzana Pasha - Mat Municipality (independent)
Suzana Pasha, president of the Socialist Women's Forum in Mat, is running as an independent candidate. She is known for her commitment to social issues, women's empowerment, and their active involvement in the city's public and political life.
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