These were the second local elections in Albania since substantial administrative reforms legislated in 2014 reduced the number of municipalities in the country to 61.

Following months of political crisis, opposition parties promised to not participate in the election, accusing the government and the Prime Minister of vote buying, voter intimidation and links with criminal organizations which had contributed to the Socialist Party's majority in previous elections.

The President originally attempted to postpone the elections, instead opting to hold them on October 13 after many protests were held by opposition parties, some of which turned violent.

– discuss] The elections were declared as a farce by leader of the opposition Lulzim Basha at the time.

[8] Shkodër was handed back to Voltana Ademi following a trial against the official winner who was suspected to have been involved in trafficking.