Campobasso Election Dispute Settled: Tar Confirms Mayor Forte’s Victory and Political Stability

Key Takeaways

• The Tar’s comprehensive decision rejects the center-right’s electoral appeal against Mayor Forte’s victory.
• No electoral irregularities sufficient to overturn the runoff result were found.
• The ruling marks a judicial affirmation of Campobasso’s municipal election legitimacy.
• Mayor Forte calls for political unity amid a fragile coalition majority.
• The decision clears legal uncertainty, but political challenges remain.

Table of Contents

1. Campobasso Election Controversy Ends With Tar Ruling
2. What the Tar Decision Means
3. Impact on Campobasso Governance
4. Why This Matters
5. Frequently Asked Questions

The recent political drama in Campobasso has finally drawn to a close, as the regional administrative tribunal (Tar Molise) decisively rejected the electoral appeal filed by the center-right coalition. Their bid to overturn the 2024 municipal election results — specifically the claim for winner Aldo De Benedittis to be declared victorious in the first round or for the vote to be annulled due to alleged irregularities — was dismissed in a detailed 104-page ruling published on July 28, 2025.

The court’s judgment affirms the legitimacy of Marialuisa Forte’s election as mayor, confirming she won fairly and conclusively at the runoff stage. Judges Nicola Gaviano, Luigi Lalla, and Sergio Occhionero emphasized there was no evidence of voting irregularities sufficient to alter the result. Consequently, the center-right’s claims were deemed unfounded, with no grounds to annul the electoral process or change its outcome.

Mayor Forte welcomed the ruling as a “liberation after months of uncertainty,” highlighting the administrative challenges faced during the drawn-out dispute. She expressed relief that her mandate is now beyond question, enabling her government to operate with renewed stability and focus. However, she also acknowledged ongoing political fragility, citing a fractured majority coalition and the necessity for dialogue with opposition factions to ensure effective governance.

This ruling closes a chapter of electoral contention that risked paralyzing Campobasso’s local government. By confirming the lawful election of Mayor Forte, the Tar helps restore confidence in the democratic process and provides a foundation for political continuity. Yet, the unfolding political negotiations highlight the complexity of local governance beyond legal validation — stability must be won also in the councils and alliances of the city.

Q: What was the main issue in the Campobasso election dispute?

A: The dispute centered around allegations of electoral irregularities and the possibility of declaring Aldo De Benedittis victorious in the first round or annulling the vote.

Q: What did the Tar ruling conclude?

A: The Tar rejected the appeals, affirming the legality of Mayor Forte’s election and finding no evidence to overturn it.

Q: Will this ruling impact future political stability in Campobasso?

A: While it provides legal clarity, ongoing political negotiations and coalition management will be key to long-term stability.