After months of political tension and procedural deadlock, Albania finally has a new Ombudsman. In a session that stretched late into Thursday night, Parliament elected Endri Shabani as the People’s Advocate with a decisive 85 votes in favor and 3 against, closing one of the most debated institutional processes of recent years.

Prime Minister Edi Rama was present in the chamber as MPs cast their votes.

What was expected to be a routine vote turned into a charged political showdown. The Democratic Party—after first signing in support of six candidates and then retracting all signatures—requested the removal of the Ombudsman vote from the day’s agenda. The majority rejected the proposal, opening the way for an intense three-hour debate marked by accusations of political bargaining and institutional pressure.

Moments before the vote, the DP parliamentary group walked out of the session in protest, leaving the majority to proceed alone with the final decision.

At the close of voting, Speaker Niko Peleshi announced that Shabani will take the constitutional oath in the Assembly during the next plenary session, formally assuming leadership of one of the country’s most important oversight institutions.

Final tally for all candidates:

Shabani’s election marks the end of a politically turbulent process and sets the stage for a new chapter at the helm of the Ombudsman’s Office.

Besim Ndregjoni – 0 pro, 61 abstentions, 25 against

Adriana Kalaja – 0 pro, 17 abstentions, 69 against

Skënder Haluci – 1 pro, 72 abstentions, 14 against

Aranita Braho – 4 pro, 76 abstentions, 7 against

Tartar Bazaj – 1 pro, 79 abstentions, 7 against

Endri Shabani – 85 pro, 0 abstentions, 3 against