Constitutional Court has rejected a challenge brought by lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Party over the appointment of Endri Shabani as the country’s Ombudsman.

The Democratic Party had argued that the parliamentary procedure used to appoint the Ombudsman was unconstitutional. The opposition also challenged Shabani’s eligibility for the position, raising questions over potential incompatibilities with the exercise of the office.

The political and institutional dispute began late last year, after Democratic Party lawmakers withdrew their support for candidates for Ombudsman, including Shabani. The opposition argued that the withdrawal of their signatures should have been taken into account before the candidacy proceeded to a vote in Parliament.

Despite the opposition’s objections, Parliament elected Shabani as Ombudsman on December 11, 2025, with 85 votes in favor. Opposition lawmakers did not take part in the vote.

The Constitutional Court’s decision brings the legal challenge to an end, upholding Shabani’s appointment to the post.