Parliamentary elections were held on 31 March 1991 to elect the 250 representatives of the Kuvendi Popullor. The first round of the elections took place on this date, followed by a second round on 7 April and a third round on 14 April. These elections represent a critical juncture in Albania's political evolution, transitioning from one party system to a multi-partydemocratic system. Following the death of Enver Hoxha in 1985, his successor, Ramiz Alia, encountered escalating economic difficulties and social unrest, which were intensified by the broader geopolitical transformations occurring during the Revolutions of 1989. The foundation of the Democratic Party in December 1990 served as a catalyst for legislative reforms aimed at dismantling the People's Socialist Republic.
The elections yielded a voter turnout of 98.92%, with 1,963,568 ballots cast to elect the representatives from 250 designated electoral districts. The ruling Party of Labor secured 162 seats, thus failing to achieve a two-thirds majority necessary for constitutional amendments, while the Democratic Party garnered significant support, especially in urban areas. The electoral process comprised six recognised parties, including the Agrarian Party, Democratic Front and Republican Party, along with various independent candidates, between democratic aspirations and residual communist elements. Tensions were heightened in the lead-up to the elections, as the Democrats organised several demonstrations demanding electoral integrity. Post-election, violent protests erupted in Shkodër, triggered by the unexpected electoral outcomes, resulting in significant civil unrest and fatalities, which underscored the prevailing political instability.
The inaugural session of the Kuvendi Popullor on 10 April 1991, was boycotted by Democrats in response to perceived governmental inadequacies in addressing the unrest. Subsequently, on 29 April, the parliament enacted a constitutional law establishing the Republic of Albania, which facilitated Alia's election as the second president of Albania.
Following the conclusion of World War II, Albania was transformed into a communist state under the leadership of Enver Hoxha. His regime exhibited a strict adherence to Marxist-Leninist ideology and intense nationalism that emphasised self-reliance and isolationism. Hoxha implemented agrarian reforms, nationalised the industry, and established a centrallyplanned economy. These measures resulted in remarkable social changes, particularly in education and healthcare; however, pervasive state control led to the repression of political dissent, the suppression of civil liberties, and widespread human rights violations. The regime's isolationist policies rendered Albania increasingly detached from the international community. After a split with the Soviet Union in the early 1960s due to ideological differences, Albania sought assistance from China, while maintaining a non-aligned stance during the Cold War. This dependence on external powers further entrenched authoritarianism and suppressed potential reforms or liberalisation. After Hoxha's death in 1985, Ramiz Alia succeeded him as the leader of the Party of Labour.[1] His leadership, marked by a gradual recognition of the necessity for reform, remained constrained by the party's adherence to Marxist-Leninist principles. In the late 1980s, escalating economic difficulties, exacerbated by systemic inefficiencies and international isolation, began to undermine the ruling party's legitimacy.[1] As the Eastern European landscape shifted with the Revolutions of 1989 in neighboring countries, public discontent in Albania intensified, leading to widespread student protests and demands for change.[1]
On 12 December 1990 a coalition of students and intellectuals, including notable figures such as Sali Berisha, Neritan Ceka, Azem Hajdari, Arben Imami, Aleksandër Meksi and Gramoz Pashko, founded the Democratic Party, marking the emergence of the first independent opposition party in Albania.[2] Subsequently, the Presidium of the Kuvendi Popullor approved Decree No. 7443 on 18 December, establishing a multi-party system in the nation.[3][4] This led to the formation of several political parties, including the Democratic Party, which became the largest opposition party, representing the younger generation with a nationwide presence in both northern and southern Albania.[4][5] The Republican Party, established in January 1991, primarily comprised urban intellectuals, focusing mainly on the southern regions.[4][6] The Agrarian Party, founded in Vlorë in February 1991, dedicated itself to rural issues and rapidly grew in membership, while the Ecology Party, the smallest of the new parties, emerged in January 1991, influenced by the European green movement but primarily active in Elbasan and Lushnjë.[4][5] The Democrats organised mass meetings and demonstrations aimed at dismantling symbols of the communist regime. On 21 February 1991, approximately 100,000 individuals gathered at the Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, where they toppled Hoxha's statue.[7] This act was emblematic of the broader democratic revolution, as similar demolitions occurred across the country, and Hoxha's books were publicly burned. The destruction of his monument designated not only the rejection of his authoritarian rule but also the culmination of the collective desire for political change and the end of the communist regime in the nation.
International observervation
Despite limitations on foreign assistance, international media played a key role in the 1991 elections. Around 300 journalists from 18 countries reported on the electoral process, which advanced scrutiny of the government and adding complicated the political dynamics.[8] Opposition parties, particularly the Democrats and the Republicans, advocated for international observers to ensure the elections were fair and to prevent potential fraud by the ruling Communists.[9] For instance, Jack Buechner, the President of the National Republican Institute for International Affairs (NRIIA), led a delegation to Tirana before the election. Furthermore, a delegation from the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) remained in Albania as election observers following a high-level visit led by Dennis DeConcini in late March.[10][11][12]
The 250 members of the Kuvendi Popullor were elected from single-member constituencies.[13] Candidates were mandated to secure a majority of 50% plus one vote be elected to the parliament.[14] If two candidates received over 25% but less than 50% of the votes, a runoff election was conducted on 7 April.[15] If no candidate or only one candidate achieved at least 25%, parties were allowed to nominate additional candidates for elections scheduled on 14 April.[15] The electoral process was overseen by three commissions, with the Central Election Commission (KQZ), chaired by Rexhep Meidani, assuming the most remarkable responsibility.[16] The KQZ interpreted and implemented electoral laws, addressed grievances from opposition parties, and registered elected officials.[13] Zone election commissions and local polling station commissions ensured compliance with these laws within their districts, managing candidate registration, vote counting, issuing election certificates, resolving complaints, and reporting final vote totals to the KQZ.[17] Each district served approximately 12,000 to 13,000 residents, equating to about 7,000 to 8,000 eligible voters.[13] To facilitate the voting process, 5,450 voting stations were formed across Albania, each designed to accommodate between 100 and 600 registered voters.[18] These voting stations were responsible for ensuring adherence to electoral laws, counting votes, and reporting results to the respective zone commissions.[13]
Election date
On 18 December 1990, the Kuvendi Popullor promulgated a decree to implement a multi-party system in response to advancing tensions from various factions.[19] Elections were scheduled for 10 February 1991 but the opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Party, criticised this timeline and requested a postponement until May to enhance campaign preparations and amend the electoral law.[20][7][21] First dismissive of these requests, the Kuvendi Popullor faced escalated tensions as the Democrats organised remarkable public protests and launched an independent press, coupled with threats to boycott the elections.[20] Due to advancing tension, notably following a miners' strike that heightened demands for the postponement of elections, the government implemented the release of a remarkable number of political prisoners and subsequently adjusted the election date to March.[19][20] This decision, communicated on 16 January, resulted from negotiations between Alia and Berisha, during which the Democratic Party advocated for the formation of an independent opposition press, the release of all prisoners, and amendments to the electoral law to ensure opposition representation in election commissions.[22] The government conceded to many of these demands, facilitating elections scheduled for 31 March.[20][23][24]
The 1991 elections were characterised by the participation of multiple political entities, comprising six recognised parties and five additional organisations, which encompessed the ruling party, front organisations, and opposition parties.[15] The ruling Party of Labour maintained an authoritarian stance despite political changes.[15][25] Key front organisations, such as the Democratic Front, the Union of Women, the Union of Youth, the Trade Unions, and the Veteran's Committee, previously facilitated the dissemination of Party of Labour ideology and mobilised support for the regime.[15][26] Their candidates often appeared on ballots under various endorsements, reinforcing the perception of their role as extensions of the ruling party.[6] The opposition parties comprised the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, the Agrarian Party, the Ecology Party, and Omonia, which represented the Greek minority in Albania.[15] The Democratic Party emerged as the leading opposition force, emphasising democratic governance, economic reform, and integration with Western institutions.[6][27] They employed symbolic gestures, notably the V sign, to display its commitment to democratic transformation.[27]
Despite their differing platforms, both the ruling party and opposition parties committed to political, economic, and social reform, endorsing democratic principles, human rights, a market economy, and the rule of law.[28][27] A shared aspiration for Kosovo reunification existed, although strategies for achieving this goal varied pronouncedly.[6] The Republicans positioned themselves as a moderate alternative, advocating for a gradual transition to a market economy and cautious privatisation, arguing that the Albanians were unprepared for abrupt changes.[6] The Trade Unions claimed independence from the ruling party, calling for better wages and working conditions while supporting government crackdowns on dissent.[6] The status of Omonia sparked debate about its autonomy, with differing views on whether it was a legitimate force or an extension of the ruling party.[29] The Ecology Party focused on environmental issues, particularly in industrial sectors, while the Agrarian Party sought to represent agricultural workers.[5]
Candidates
The 1991 elections were contested by a total of 1,074 registered candidates.[30] The candidate distribution was as follows: the Democratic Party fielded 250 candidates; the Party of Labour presented 243 candidates; the Republican Party nominated 165 candidates; the Democratic Front included 122 candidates; the Union of Women contributed 94 candidates; the Union of Youth also fielded 94 candidates; the Agrarian Party had 37 candidates; the Veteran's Committee nominated 7 candidates; and there were 17 independent candidates.[30] Eligibility mandated that candidates be citizens permanently residing in Albania, with the only restriction was that individuals could contest for only one seat.[31] Nominations could occur through three methods: first, endorsement by a registered party; second, running as independent candidates within a designated electoral zone, requiring the collection of 300 signatures from eligible voters; and third, the option for voters to write in names of candidates not formally listed on the ballot. Candidates were not required to reside in the zones they aspired to represent, reflecting characteristics similar in one-party communist structures.[31] Local authorities were responsible for compiling voter registration lists, which were to be finalised and publicly accessible by 6 March.[31] Candidates could register until 15 days prior to the election and withdraw their candidacy before voting began.[31]
Electoral campaign
During the election campaign strict media restrictions posed remarkable challenges for the participating parties.[32] The government maintained tight control over independent media, including print, television, and radio, which affected public discourse.[33] The electoral law mandated parties to disclose their platforms while prohibiting ideologies regarded as fascist, racist, or associated to treason, thereby allowing for the potential disqualification of parties based on their ideological grounds.[34] Candidates were prohibited from utilising foreign media for campaign purposes, but enforcement of this rule was inconsistent, allowing some candidates to receive coverage from international sources such as Voice of America.[35] Further, the Decree 7048 of 31 July 1990 imposed stringent regulations on public gatherings.[35] Organisers had to notify local authorities, and penalties for non-compliance included fines that reflected the average Albanian wage.[35]
Enforcement of regulations varied considerably, many rallies and student protests experienced minimal interference, indicating a degree of tolerance for opposition activities, notably those organised by the Democrats.[36] An instance involved the their strategic relocation of a denied event by the Communists from the Skanderbeg Square to university facilities, attracting thousands of participants.[36] Media control further intensified these challenges, as the Communists received disproportionate coverage that favored its narratives.[37] Despite opposition efforts, coverage remained highly edited, undermining support for dissenting perspectives.[37] Each party was allocated limited airtime, one hour followed by 45 minutes, yet coverage predominantly favoured the Party of Labour.[37] Opposition complaints led to minor improvements, reports continued to diminish dissenting voices.[37] Print media similarly exhibited bias, although the Democrats and Republicans managed to publish their own newspapers, Rilindja Demokratike and Republika.[37]
Results
250 representatives were elected for the Kuvendi Popullor in the 1991 elections.
The 1991 elections occurred on 31 March from 06:00 to 20:00 Central European Time (CET) and recorded a total of 1,984,933 registered voters.[38] Voter turnout was high at 98.92%, with 1,963,568 ballots cast across 5,450 voting stations in Albania.[38] Elections occurred in 249 of the 250 electoral districts, resulting in the filling of 231 seats in the first round,[39] with 17 seats requiring runoff elections, with Pogradec scheduled for a runoff on 7 April and Lushnjë on 14 April.[39] Observers reported that the process demonstrated a high degree of organisation and compliance with established protocols.[40] Polling committee members were sufficiently trained, and voters received essential information through various print media.[33]
The Party of Labour sustained its dominance by securing 162 seats in the Kuvendi Popullor.[39] This total was just short of the two-thirds majority necessary for constitutional amendments. In the second round of elections, the Communists gained an additional six seats.[39] The electoral outcomes revealed a distinct urban-rural divide, while urban areas predominantly favored the Democrats, while rural regions remained loyal to the Communists.[41] This loyalty was influenced by rural constituents' preference for stability in the face of proposed economic reforms.[41] Notably, prominent Communist figures, including Alia and Kapllani, were unsuccessful in their electoral bids, whereas Fatos Nano retained his seat following a runoff election.[42] Their influence was further demonstrated by the prevailing climate, marked by reports of voter intimidation that pronouncedly affected electoral dynamics in rural areas.[42]
The opposition, particularly the Democratic Party, achieved notable success in the urban areas, with a landslide victory in Tirana, where Alia received only 32% of the vote and Muhamet Kapllani secured 33%.[41] Berisha won 88% in Kavajë and Pashko obtained 64% in Vlorë.[41]Eduard Selami won 46.8% in Korçë but lost to Communist Vasfi Sherifi, who garnered 52%.[41] However, in rural districts such as Berat, Shkodër, and Elbasan, opposition candidates struggled to secure seats, ultimately gaining 65 seats in the Kuvendi Popullor.[41] The Democrats gained an additional 10 seats in the runoff elections on 7 April in Pogradec and one more seat during the second round held on 14 April in Lushnjë.[39] Conversely, the Republicans failed to win any seats, primarily due to a strategic misstep by Sabri Godo, whose endorsement of certain Communist candidates, which fostered perceptions of them as a front organisation.[43] After the elections, protests erupted in Shkodër over unexpected results, escalating on 2 April with demonstrations outside Party of Labour headquarters, leading to violent clashes and the deaths of Arben Broci, Bujar Bishanaku, Besnik Ceka and Nazmi Kryeziu.[44][45][46]
Following the elections, Albania remained in a protracted transitional period marked by multiple political changes, social unrest, and economic challenges in the subsequent months. The elections sparked widespread protests and strikes throughout Albania, resulting in significant unrest that exerted substantial pressure on Alia and the ruling Party of Labour to implement reforms. The inaugural session of the Kuvendi Popullor on 10 April, was marked by the absence of Democratic Party members, who chose to boycott the parliament in response to perceived inadequacies in the investigation of the unrest in Shkodër. In response to pressures for reform, the parliament adopted a provisional constitution on 29 April, aimed at constituting the foundational principles of democracy. The document comprised provisions for the separation of powers, the protection of human rights, and the formation of a multi-party system, thereby laying the foundation for the current republic of Albania.[48][49][50] Further, it reintroduced the presidency as the head of state and led to the election of Alia on 30 April, who resigned as First Secretary of the Party of Labour to assume the office.[51][52]
Nevertheless, the government by the prime minister Nano promptly confronted challenges as the "no-strike agreement" with opposition parties expired on 1 May.[53] Shortly thereafter, on 16 May, the independent trade unions federation advocated for a general strike, demanding a 50% wage increase, a reduction in the working week, a ban on women working night shifts, and the resignation of the communist government.[53] By late May, reports indicated that 70% of the urban workforce participated in the strike, resulting in the shutdown of approximately 90% of enterprises.[53] Confronted with this untenable situation, Nano announced his resignation as the prime minister on 4 June 1991.[53][54][55][56] This event facilitated the formation of a stability government under Ylli Bufi.[57][58] However, on 3 December, his acknowledgment of severe food shortages ignited widespread unrest throughout Albania. This revelation led to panic buying and looting, resulting in casualties and underscoring the government's failure to address basic needs.[59]
The prime minister of Albania, officially the prime minister of the Republic of Albania, is the head of government of Albania. The office of the prime minister is a core institution in the politics of Albania formed after the Albanian declaration of independence on 28 November 1912. Since that time, the nation has navigated a dynamic political evolution spanning distinct periods, encompassing a monarchy, a communist regime and the eventual democratic order. In 1912, Ismail Qemali was inaugurated as the first prime minister of Albania, guiding the nation toward sovereignty amidst the complex conditions in the Balkans. In 1944, Enver Hoxha implemented a radical change in government, transforming Albania into an authoritarian and isolationist communist regime. In 1991, the nation transitioned into a democracy that marked a notable shift, when Fatos Nano emerged as the first post-communist prime minister of Albania.
Ramiz Alia was an Albanian politician serving as the second and last leader of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania from 1985 to 1991, serving as First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania. He was also the country's head of state from 1982 to 1992. He had been seen as a successor by Enver Hoxha and took power after Hoxha died.
The Directorate of State Security, commonly called the Sigurimi, was the state security, intelligence and secret police service of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania. Its proclaimed goal was maintaining state security of Albania, but de facto the Sigurimi served to suppress political activity among the populace and preserve the existing political system.
The Socialist Party of Albania is a social-democratic political party in Albania. It has been described as centre-left. It was founded on 13 June 1991. The PS is an associate of the Party of European Socialists and a member of the Socialist International, and holds pro-European views.
The Democratic Party of Albania is a conservative political party in Albania. It has been the largest opposition party in the country since 2013.
The Party of Labour of Albania (PLA), also referred to as the Albanian Workers' Party (AWP), was the ruling and sole legal party of Albania during the communist period (1945–1991). It was founded on 8 November 1941 as the Communist Party of Albania but changed its name in 1948 following a recommendation by Joseph Stalin. The party was dissolved on 13 June 1991 and succeeded by the Socialist Party of Albania and the new Communist Party of Albania. For most of its existence, the party was dominated by its First Secretary, Enver Hoxha, who was also the de facto leader of Albania from 1944 until his death in 1985.
Regular elections in Albania are mandated by the Constitution and legislation enacted by Parliament. The Parliament (Kuvendi) has 140 members elected for four-year terms. The electoral system is open list proportional representation. There are 12 multi-member constituencies corresponding to the country's 12 administrative regions. Within any constituency, parties must meet a threshold of 3 percent of votes, and pre-election coalitions must meet a threshold of 5 percent of votes.
The fall of communism in Albania, the last such event in Europe outside the Soviet Union, started in December 1990 with student demonstrations in the capital, Tirana, although protests started in January that year in other cities like Shkodër and Kavajë. The Central Committee of the communist Party of Labour of Albania allowed political pluralism on 11 December and the largest opposition party, the Democratic Party, was founded the next day. March 1991 elections left the Party of Labour in power, but a general strike and urban opposition led to the formation of a "stability government" that included non-communists. Albania's former communists were routed in elections in March 1992 amid economic collapse and social unrest, with the Democratic Party winning most seats and its party head, Sali Berisha, becoming president.
In 1991, the Socialist Party of Albania, with specific social democratic ideology took control of the country through democratic elections. One year later the Democratic Party of Albania won the new elections. After 1990, Albania has been seeking a closer relationship with the West. What followed were deliberate programs of economic and democratic reform, but the implementation of capitalism led to the proliferation of pyramid schemes. Chaos in late 1996 to early 1997, as a result of the collapse of these pyramid schemes, alarmed the world and prompted the influx of international peacekeeping forces. In 1995, Albania was accepted into the Council of Europe and requested membership in NATO and is a potential candidate country for accession to the European Union. The workforce of Albania has continued to emigrate to Western countries, especially Greece and Italy.
Parliamentary elections for a Constituent Assembly were held in Albania on 2 December 1945. Voters were presented with a single list from the Democratic Front, organized and led by the Communist Party of Albania. The Front won all 82 seats.
Parliamentary elections were held in Albania on 22 March 1992, with a second round of voting for eleven seats on 29 March. The result was a victory for the opposition Democratic Party of Albania, which won 92 of the 140 seats. After the elections Aleksandër Meksi became prime minister and Sali Berisha became president.
Bedri Spahiu was an Albanian politician and Lieutenant-General and one of the most prominent figures of the Albanian Labour Party up to 1956.
Foto Çami was an Albanian academic and politician of Albanian Party of Labour (PPSh).
Besnik Bekteshi is a former Albanian politician of the Albanian Party of Labour (PPSh). He has served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry of Communist Albania.
Muho Asllani is a former Albanian politician of the Albanian Party of Labour (PPSh). He was a member of the Politburo, a representative in the Albanian Parliament for many years, First Secretary of Party in several districts, and member of the Cabinet of Albania during 1976–79.
Pirro Kondi was an Albanian politician of the Party of Labour of Albania (PPSh). Coming from a family with strong communist background, he became member of the Albanian Parliament and a candidate-member of the Politburo of the Party of Labour of Albania by the '80.
Xhafer Spahiu was an Albanian politician of the Albanian Party of Labour (PPSh). He was the only Kosovar Albanian of the higher ranks of the Communist Albania leadership after 1948.
Parliamentary elections were held in Albania on 25 April 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic to elect the 140 members of parliament. A total of 1,871 candidates, including 732 women, were registered, with ten political parties, two coalitions and three independent candidates contesting the election. The Socialist Party (PS), led by incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama, opted for an independent participation, while the opposition Democratic Party (PD), under Lulzim Basha, formed the Democratic Party – Alliance for Change, a coalition with 12 smaller parties. Other notable political entities, including the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD), also pursued electoral success independently. The election campaign was highly polarised, with competing narratives centered on pressing national issues such as European Union (EU) accession, economic development, healthcare reform, infrastructure modernisation, and the government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis. Campaign strategies were significantly altered due to the pandemic, with political parties increasingly relying on digital platforms and social media to reach voters, as traditional in-person events were limited by public health restrictions.
Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Albania by June 2025.
The 1991 Albanian presidential election marked the second presidential election held on 30 April 1991 in Albania. The transition from the communist regime to a multi-party democracy culminated in the 1991 parliamentary elections, following the death of Enver Hoxha and growing discontent under his successor, Ramiz Alia. The Democratic Party's emergence and subsequent electoral success, alongside protests in response to the results, led to the adoption of a provisional constitution on 29 April 1991, establishing Albania as a parliamentary republic and reintroducing the presidency one day before Alia was elected. Following the elections, Albania experienced significant political upheaval, social unrest, and economic hardship under President Alia, culminating in widespread strikes led by independent trade unions demanding better wages and conditions. The resignation of prime minister Fatos Nano on 4 June, and subsequent government failures, including a severe food shortage that sparked panic and looting, fueled mass emigration as discontent grew, ultimately leading to the Democratic Party's decisive victory in the 1992 elections and Alia's resignation.
↑ "Profile: Albania". Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). Archived from the original on 20 September 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
↑ Duriçi, Brunilda. "Political transition of Albania 1985–1991"(PDF) (in Albanian). International Institute For Private Commercial And Competition Law (IIPCCL). Archived(PDF) from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
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