Ilir Panda submits candidacy for Albania's Supreme Court head

Judge Ilir Panda has submitted his candidacy for the leadership of the Supreme Court of Albania. The submission comes on the final deadline for documentation, following the opening of the race in mid-August.

The current three-year mandate of Sokol Sadushi is set to expire on October 17. The newly elected chairperson is expected to begin their duties on October 18 to ensure institutional continuity. Only judges of the Supreme Court are eligible to run for the position.

Ilir Panda, who has served as a judge in the third tier of the judiciary since March 2020, was elected Vice Chairman of the Supreme Court in November 2023. His professional background includes serving as Minister of Justice from 1999 to 2000 and as Deputy Chairman of the High Judicial Council from 2003 to 2007. He holds a doctorate and has worked across various legal sectors, including criminal prosecution, codification, and academia.