Constitutional Court rules, rejects DP appeal: Endrit Shabani stays on as People’s Advocate

The Constitutional Court announced on 29 September that it rejected the Democratic Party’s request concerning the appointment of People’s Advocate Endrit Shabani, ruling that his election by parliament with a majority vote was lawful.

Democratic Party MPs had opposed Shabani’s election; he was voted in by parliament with 85 votes in favor on 11 December. The opposition claims the procedure followed for his election was unconstitutional, and has also raised objections about Shabani’s compatibility with the office of People’s Advocate.

The clash between the sides began after the DP withdrew its signatures for the People’s Advocate candidates, including Endri Shabani, declaring he no longer had its support. Despite this, Shabani’s candidacy was voted through in plenary session by the majority.