OSCE's observation mission had a mixed reaction, saying the elections were competitive and well-run but lacked a level playing field including self-censorship by journalists, and a confrontational and polarizing campaign, with the two main political parties using divisive language and attempting to unduly influence voters. The elections were marked by widespread misuse of public resources and institutional power by the ruling party PS, while numerous reports of pressure on public employees and other voters as well as cases of intimidation were of concern.[17]
The elections also marked the first time that Albanian citizens living abroad were allowed to vote.[18]
Background
In the 2021 parliamentary elections, the Socialist Party (PS) won 74 of the 140 seats in the parliament, resulting in Edi Rama being re-elected as Prime Minister. The PD-AN alliance, which was led by the centre-right Democrats and added several smaller parties to its coalition in the 2021 election, increased their seat-share from 43 to 59 seats.[19][20]
During the same period, President Ilir Meta faced widespread allegations of violating the constitution, particularly in his intervention in the electoral process and the overt partisan stance against the PS he adopted during the 2021 elections.[21] In June 2021, the parliament initiated impeachment proceedings against Meta, accusing him of undermining the neutrality of the presidency.[22] However, in February 2022, the constitutional court ruled that Meta's actions did not constitute a violation of the constitution.[23][24]
Electoral system
The electoral system of Albania is constructed upon the principles defined in the constitution and the electoral code. As a parliamentary republic, Albania implements a regional proportional representation method that allocates seats in the parliament according to the proportion of votes garnered by political parties in a multi-party system.[25][26][27] The parliament is composed of 140 representatives with a term of four years.[26] The constitution codifies substantial democratic principles, stipulating that voting rights are equal, free, and conducted through secret ballot.[28][29] All citizens of Albania, upon reaching the age of 18 and having not been deprived of voting rights, are permitted to participate in elections.[30] The electoral code also establishes comprehensive procedures for voter registration, ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate fully in the process. The allocation of representatives in the parliament is based on population size within 12 electoral districts, which correspond to the first-level administrative regions (counties) of Albania.[27] The D'Hondt method is employed for seat distribution to parties, contingent upon an electoral threshold of 1%.[27]
In the 2025 election, 46 seats were filled by politicians on closed lists and one-third of the politicians elected to the parliament needed to be women.[31]
According to the constitution, parliamentary elections in Albania are required to be conducted no later than 60 days after and no earlier than 30 days prior to the expiration of the parliament's mandate.[26] On 11 October 2024, commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi of the Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve (KQZ) recommended the period between 20 April and 11 May 2025, as the most appropriate timeframe for the upcoming parliamentary elections.[33] On 11 November 2024, President Bajram Begaj procedurally initiated consultations to determine the election date for the elections, inviting representatives from the Coalition for Reforms, Integration, and Consolidated Institutions (KRIIK) to the Presidenca.[34]
Following on 19 November, Begaj held the first round of consultations with leaders of smaller opposition parties, who proposed 4 May as the most suitable election date.[35][36] This suggestion was made in light of the anticipated European Political Community Summit in Tirana on 9 May, with leaders arguing that holding elections before the summit would prevent potential electoral manipulation.[36] Begaj described the consultations as the beginning of a transparent and constructive electoral process.[36] He emphasised that the decision regarding the election date should be based on the best interests of voters, following a balanced, open debate with input from a wide range of political and institutional actors.[37] The Democratic Party declined to participate in consultations with Begaj. The Freedom Party accepted the invitation, with Tedi Blushi and Erisa Xhixho requesting that the President decree any election date permitted by the Electoral Code, except the one proposed by Taulant Balla of the Socialist Party. Basha refrained from proposing a specific date but emphasised that the primary focus should be on election standards rather than the date itself.[38] On 25 November, Begaj concluded the consultation process and highlighted the importance of the process, stating that the discussions were guided by the best interests of the voters rather than narrow political calculations.[39][40] Conclusively, on 5 December, Begaj announced that the 2025 elections would be scheduled for 11 May 2025.[41][42]
Amendments
On 26 July 2024, the parliament approved the amendments to the new electoral code, which included provisions for diasporavoting and the allocation of mandates. A significant focus centered on the formula employed for candidate lists, which was no longer entirely open; instead, one-third was designated as closed and subject to the discretion of the party leader, thereby exempting it from preferential voting. Furthermore, the new regulations stipulated that one out of every three candidates elected from the open list was required to be a woman, thereby reflecting a commitment to enhancing gender representation within the electoral framework.[43]
On 7 December 2024, the KQZ approved the allocation of electoral mandates and the creation of 93 electoral administration zones (ZAZ) for the 2025 elections. Municipalities with over 80,000 voters were divided into multiple ZAZs.[44] The KQZ also finalized the mandate distribution, with Tirana set to elect 37 deputies, while Korça's representation will decrease to 10 due to the loss of one mandate.[44][45][46]
In preparation for the 2025 elections, the KQZ introduced the PER application to facilitate the registration and voting of Albanian emigrants abroad. This initiative aims to ensure diaspora participation in the electoral process, with registration scheduled from 11 January to 11 March.[47] To register, emigrants must provide a valid passport and a document verifying their residential address. The PER app, available for download on both mobile devices and computers, will serve as the sole method for voting from abroad. Once registered, emigrants will be removed from the domestic voter list, and by 11 May, a separate list of overseas voters will be finalised.[47]
As of the electoral code, a parliamentary party is defined as a political organisation that has achieved representation in the parliament by obtaining a minimum of one seat in the most recent electoral contest.[48] Subsequent to the 2021 parliamentary election, the PS obtained 74 of the 140 seats, emerging as the majority party.[49][50] The PD–AN secured 59 seats, while LSI acquired 4 seats and the PSD attained 3 seats.[49]
According to the electoral code, each political party is mandated to submit a registration request to the CEC no later than 70 days prior to the scheduled election date.[51] This request must comprehensively contain several critical components, including the identity of the party chair authorised to present candidates, the official name and acronym of the party, a specimen of the official stamp, and the contact information for both the finance officer and communication officer.[51] Registered political parties have the option to form coalitions, which must also be registered with the KQZ at least 60 days before the election.[52] A political party that is part of a coalition is restricted from engaging in another coalition or presenting candidates independently.[52] The coalition is required to designate a leading party, which assumes the responsibility for fulfilling the legal obligations formed in the electoral code, and to document inter-party relations in a formal coalition agreement submitted to the KQZ.[52] It is essential that both political parties and coalitions submit a multi-name list of candidates for the parliament election no later than 50 days prior to the election.[53]
In June 2024, Lulzim Basha, the former leader of the Democratic Party, established a new faction titled, the Democratic Party–Euroatlantic Democrats, following internal conflicts regarding the ownership of the party's official seal.[54][55] By November 2024, Basha revealed that he was engaged in advanced discussions with Endri Shabani of Nisma Thurje to explore potential electoral cooperation.[56] However, Shabani publicly rejected the possibility of such an alliance, asserting that a cooperation with Basha or his faction was "zero".[57]
On 24 September 2024, representatives of the Democratic Party initiated consultations with allies for the upcoming elections, with Ilir Meta of the Freedom Party being the first to meet.[58] Meta did not take a clear stance on whether to run on a joint electoral list or separately, but expressed a preference for using his own party's logo.[58] On 14 November 2024, the party's leader Sali Berisha, who was placed under house arrest since December 2023, addressed concerns about Meta's involvement in the electoral list for the elections, despite Meta's imprisonment in October 2024.[59] Berisha underscored that Meta, who is according to him incarcerated without a clear charge, would be included in the electoral list if his party joined the coalition.[59]
By the time of the election, the CEC had registered 53 political parties and 11 coalitions.[60] In order to be in the ballot, parties either needed to have a certain number of MPs in the current parliament or have 5,000 signatures, while coalitions either needed to have a certain number of MPs in the current parliament or have 7,000 signatures.[61]
The table below lists the parties which have registered in CEC for the next election and have qualified for ballot access.[62]
The campaign of this election was characterized by the vast use of social media, especially from smaller parties, as they did not have as much television access compared to larger parties.[63]
Preceding events
TikTok ban
On 21 December 2024, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that TikTok would be banned in Albania for at least one year, starting from the beginning of 2025. Rama cited the death of a teenager in a brawl linked to a conflict on TikTok and concerns over social media promoting youth violence. Alongside this ban, the Albanian government plans to initiate educational programs for students and parents.[64]
On 13 March 2025, the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) and the National Cybersecurity Authority (AKSK), per the decisions released by the Albanian government, instructed all internet service providers in Albania to block TikTok's IPs, DNS resolution, and Server Name Indications, as well as ByteDance's IP addresses.[65]
Opposition leader Sali Berisha criticized the ban, arguing it would hinder their ability to run online campaigns ahead of the elections. Hundreds of Democrat protesters gathered in front of the Kryeministria building on 15 March 2025 to protest the ban.[66] Arlind Qori, leader of Together Movement, considered the ban as an act of censorship.[67]
Start: April 12, 2025 Election Day: May 11, 2025 Projected win: May 12, 2025 Certification from KQZ: May 22, 2025 Certification from Regulatory Commission: August 28, 2025
The 2025 parliamentary election campaign of the Socialist Party of Albania (PS) was the fifth consecutive national campaign led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who sought to extend his tenure beyond a decade in power. The campaign culminated in a decisive victory on May 11, 2025, with the PS securing 83 out of 140 seats in the Albanian Parliament, its strongest result to date.
Having governed since 2013, the Socialist Party entered the 2025 race with a platform centered on European Union accession, economic modernization, and institutional reform.[68] The campaign was launched amid growing public fatigue with political polarization and concerns over corruption, media freedom, and democratic backsliding.
The campaign was anchored in the slogan “Albania 2030 in EU, only with Edi and SP,” positioning the party as the sole credible force capable of delivering EU membership within the decade. Rama emphasized continuity, stability, and technocratic governance, highlighting achievements in infrastructure development, including road networks and urban renewal, tourism, juridical reform and digitalization of public services.
The campaign culminated in a high-profile rally on May 9 (Europe Day) in Tirana, symbolically aligning the party's message with Albania's European aspirations.[69]
The Socialist Party and Edi Rama ran a strong attacking campaign against the opposition and also ridiculing it, openly calling Sali Berisha "bufi" (the owl) and the Democratic Party, "këneta" (the swamp)[70]
Start: April 12, 2025 Election Day: May 11, 2025 Projected loss: May 12, 2025 Certification from KQZ: May 22, 2025 Certification from Regulatory Commission: August 28, 2025
The Democratic Party of Albania (PD) entered the 2025 parliamentary elections under the leadership of Sali Berisha, running as part of the Alliance for a Greater Albania (ASHM). The campaign was launched on April 11 with a rally in Tirana's Mother Teresa Square, marking the start of a month-long effort to reclaim ground lost in previous elections.[71]
The PD's campaign centered on themes of anti-corruption, restoring democracy, and defending the vote. Berisha framed the election as a battle against what he called a “regime of theft and betrayal,” accusing the ruling Socialist Party of state capture and electoral manipulation. The party adopted the slogan “Make Albania Greater,” a deliberate echo of American populist rhetoric, and hired Chris LaCivita, a U.S. political strategist known for his work on Donald Trump’s campaigns.[72] The campaign emphasized juridical independence, reversation alleged politicization of institutions, economic liberalization and support support for small businesses, protection of national idenitity and traditional values, return of the diaspora through tax reductions. The party also focused on increasing the minimum pension to 200 euro a month while the minimum pension at 500 euros.
Despite a high-profile campaign and aggressive rhetoric, the Democratic Party-Alliance for Change secured 50 seats, down from 63 in 2021, marking one of its weakest performances in decades. The result reflected both internal fragmentation and the limited resonance of its populist messaging. Berisha’s continued leadership—despite international sanctions and legal controversies—remained a polarizing factor within the party and among voters.
On 11 May 2025, the Democratic Party accused the Socialist Party of operating a vote-buying scheme from an office in Tirana linked to its network of patronage activists. The event was broadcast live on Syri Television, showing alleged PS activists using the place to pressure voters and give benefits for political support.Belind Këlliçi, the Political Leader of the Democratic Party for Tirana County, publicly called for immediate police intervention; however, the police reportedly arrived approximately two hours later. By the time law enforcement reached the scene, several activists and the Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe had already fled the premises, allegedly taking materials with them. Among those identified at the scene was Ledi Imeraj, Director of the National Innovation Agency. Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe was accused not only of protecting the alleged patronage operation but also of using violence against journalist Ambrozia Meta during the live broadcast. Although the police stated that no compromising or illegal materials were found during the search conducted in the presence of representatives from both political parties, all individuals present were escorted to Police Station No. 2 for questioning. Statements and formal complaints were filed by representatives of both parties. The Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) opened an investigation into the case.[c]
PD-PS Lezhë brawl
The opposition, led by the PD, accused members of the PS of attempting to buy votes. Andi Marku, the head of PS in Kolsh, was allegedly involved in these claims. Meanwhile, Pjerin Ndreu, the Mayor of Lezhë, dismissed these allegations and accused PD of staging provocations. Groups of militants affiliated with both parties reportedly blocked roads, restricting movement and heightening tensions. Fatjon Zefi, the Deputy Mayor of Lezhë, was one of the individuals caught in this disruption when his vehicle was stopped, leading to a verbal and physical confrontation between PD and PS representatives. Later on, authorities stepped in to detain several individuals for questioning.[83]
Allegations of vote buying from PSD
Allegations of vote-buying involving the Social Democratic Party (PSD) surfaced in Malësi e Madhe, particularly in Koplik. Ardian Hysa, the head of PSD in Malësi e Madhe, was investigated for allegedly attempting to buy votes. Authorities also scrutinized Florenc Kalaj, a local resident suspected of facilitating the process. Police uncovered WhatsApp messages suggesting coordination between PSD representatives and voters regarding financial incentives. SPAK authorized searches of Hysa's business and personal property as part of the probe.[84]
Rama and the Socialist Party's (PS) victory generated several responses from international dignitaries:
Azerbaijan–President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Rama on the PS's victory under his leadership and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of friendly ties.[88]
France–President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Rama on his victory, stating that France would always stand alongside Albania on the country's European path.[89]
Hungary–Prime Minister Viktor Orbán congratulated Rama on a landslide victory and looked forward to the "historic" EPC summit in Tirana.[91]
Italy–Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her congratulations to Rama on his and the government's reelection. In addition to the recent strengthening of the two countries' "deep friendship and strategic cooperation", Meloni also noted that work will continue to further consolidate bilateral relations and achieve common goals.[92]
Spain–Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez congratulated Rama on the PS's "decisive" victory and noted the Albanian public's overwhelming support for the country's efforts to join the European Union.[93]
Croatia–Prime Minister Andrej Plenković congratulated Rama on the election victory and looked forward to strengthening bilateral relations.[94]
Ukraine–President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Rama on the PS's "decisive" victory and further praised the country's commitment to a lasting peace for Ukraine, alongside looking forward to strengthening the two countries' friendly relations.[95]
United Kingdom–Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Rama on his re-election and looked forward to continuing their work together to deliver for working people in both their countries.[97]
OSCE stated that "elections to Albania's parliament were competitive and professionally managed, the authorities rose to the challenge of organising out-of-country voting for the first time and candidates could mostly campaign freely, but they were marked by widespread misuse of public resources and institutional power by the ruling party PS, while numerous reports of pressure on public employees and other voters as well as cases of intimidation were of concern."[17]
Some Albanian citizens in Greece claimed they never received their ballots, despite reports of large volumes of completed ballots arriving from the country.[99] PS activists were accused of involvement in these alleged irregularities.[100]
The CEC suspended the counting of ballots from Greece after the request from the Democratic Party officials. However then they resumed the counting, with the head of CEC declaring the Democratic Party offered no proof of fraud. The Democratic Party still continues to contest the decision.[101]
Notes
↑ The alliance is called Nisma Shqipëria Bëhet (known in the CEC as NISMA-SHB) and is led by the LSHB, while other members are NTH and LDPSH.
↑ In the last elections, Agron Shehaj was elected to the Parliament of Albania as a Democratic Party MP. In 2022, he left the party and continued to serve as an independent MP. On June 1, 2024, he founded the Opportunity Party, which he represented as an Opportunity Party MP for the remainder of his term.
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