The majority of population is Albanian, but there are also smaller communities including Bosniaks, Serbs, Romani and others.
Gjilan is known as the center of cultural, economical developments.
Since 2013 the current mayor is Lutfi Haziri.
[2] According to the current legislation, the mayor is elected along with members of the City Assembly at the direct secret ballot for the period of four years.
The Mayor may not be a councilor of the City Assembly.