# Sicilian municipal election legal disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sicilian-municipal-election-legal-disputes > Updated: 2026-10-03T07:32:34.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. The TAR Catania has upheld the mayoral election results in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, confirming Melangela Scolaro as the legitimate mayor. The court ruled that the signature collection procedures used by the Sud chiama Nord party were correct, rejecting an appeal to annul the election. This ruling has implications for the city of Messina, where similar legal challenges regarding signature collection for municipal lists are pending. A hearing for the analogous appeals in Messina is scheduled for October 20. While a similar conclusion would uphold the current administration there, an opposing ruling could force both municipalities to return to the polls. Cateno De Luca, leader of Sud chiama Nord, criticized the legal challenges as attempts to subvert the popular will, while Deputy Tommaso Calderone has requested inspections into the management of electoral procedures in Messina. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-03: Palermo Court of Appeal presidency contested in legal appeal Magistrate Maria Giuseppa Di Marco has appealed the appointment of Antonio Balsamo as President of the Palermo Court of Appeal to the Tar Lazio, contesting the CSM's evaluation of their professional curricula. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palermo-court-of-appeal-presidency-contested-in-legal-appeal ### 2026-10-02: TAR Catania upholds Melangela Scolaro’s election in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto The TAR Catania upheld Melangela Scolaro’s election as mayor of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, rejecting appeals regarding signature collection. A similar legal case in Messina awaits a ruling on October 20. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tar-catania-upholds-melangela-scolaros-election-in-barcellona-pozzo-di-gotto --- Cite as: Sicilian municipal election legal disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sicilian-municipal-election-legal-disputes