Islam Abazi will not seek re-election as head of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption

Islam Abazi, whose four-year term as head of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption (OJO GOKK) has come to an end, announced he will not seek re-election and will return to the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Gostivar.

“After years in a leadership role I think a person should say — enough and give space to other prosecutors. I am returning to the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Gostivar,” Abazi said at today’s briefing with reporters.

Background

The internal vote to choose a new head is scheduled for October 28, 2026, when public prosecutors from all offices across the country will cast ballots. The current Law on Public Prosecution allows for re-election, while a proposed replacement law — which is currently stalled in Parliament — would set a six-year term for the officeholder with no possibility of re-election.

Abazi's original selection in 2022 drew public attention and criticism after photos surfaced showing him alongside prominent members of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) and with the brother of Ali Ahmeti. At the time, the U.S. embassy said it was puzzled by his election, particularly in light of millions of dollars invested in training and capacity building for the country's judiciary.

Abazi's decision removes an incumbent from the contest and opens the field to other candidates from the prosecutorial ranks. Observers say the October 28 vote will be watched closely as it will take place amid ongoing debate about the tenure and independence of the prosecutorial leadership.

Until the new head is chosen, Abazi will complete the formal steps to return to his post at the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Gostivar, a move he framed as a personal choice to make room for colleagues.

Photo: MIA