Politically independent, on 3 June 2022, Begaj was officially nominated by the governing Socialist Party as the candidate to the fourth round of the 2022 presidential election.
He was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces in July 2020 and assumed office later that month.
[4][1][2] His election followed a series of parliamentary proceedings that commenced on 10 May , when the parliament of Albania initiated the process for presidential selection.
[5][6] Despite challenges in achieving consensus on a suitable candidate, the governing Socialist Party (PS) nominated Begaj on 3 June for the fourth round of voting, after he resigned from his position as Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces.
[9] The tenure of Begaj has been marked by a commitment to enhancing Albania's international relations and advancing Euro-Atlantic integration.