Mayor Gjelaj was born on 8 August 1977 in Tuzi. He completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown and graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Pristina. During his university years, he co-founded the Montenegrin Albanian Students’ Association, aiming to support international initiatives and to contribute to the advancement of the social and legal status of Albanians in Montenegro. After completing his studies, he began his professional career in education, working as a Professor of Sociology at the “25 May” High School in Tuzi.

He later assumed leadership roles within the education sector and, in 2021, was appointed Principal of the “25 May” Mixed High School. Mr. Gjelaj entered politics through the Civic Initiative and subsequently joined the Albanian Alternative, a political movement advocating a distinct approach to Albanian representation on the national political stage and to relations between Albanians and Montenegro. This political vision was further reflected in his service as State Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration. In 2023, he was elected Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Tuzi. In addition, he served as a member of the Tuzi Municipal Assembly for nine years, contributing to local governance and public administration. Mr. Gjelaj is married to Ariolja and is the father of four children—three sons and one daughter.