Albania’s general election, set for Sunday, is seen as a critical moment for the country’s European Union aspirations. Voters will decide whether Prime Minister Edi Rama secures a fourth consecutive term or whether his longstanding rival, Sali Berisha, will take the reins. The election is also pivotal for the integrity of Albania’s democratic institutions and its path toward EU membership.
The international community is watching closely, with over 2,000 domestic and international observers set to monitor the voting process. Albania, one of the most pro-EU nations in the Balkans, began formal EU accession negotiations in July 2022 after a 13-year wait, and a smooth election process is vital to maintaining that momentum. The election takes place against the backdrop of political tension, with Rama and Berisha engaging in a bitter campaign filled with allegations of corruption, organized crime ties, and economic mismanagement.
Voter participation is expected to be high, with around 3.7 million citizens eligible to cast their ballots. However, this election carries an added complexity: for the first time, Albania’s diaspora will have the right to vote. Nearly 246,000 Albanians living abroad, particularly in Germany and Italy, are registered to vote, sending their ballots by registered post. Though this expands the electorate, the process has been marred by logistical delays, including address errors with some overseas ballots, which could undermine the process.
Rama, 60, has led the Socialist Party since 2005 and is positioning his campaign around securing EU membership by 2030, while Berisha, 80, promises economic recovery with a vision of a “great Albania.” The election outcome will hinge on securing a majority in the 140-seat parliament, with both sides emphasizing economic issues such as wages, pensions, and infrastructure development.
As Albania faces this crucial electoral test, the outcome will determine not just the future of its domestic politics but its standing on the European stage as well.
