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2025 Albanian parliamentary election

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outgoing members

All 140 seats to the Parliament 71 seats needed for a majority

Party Leader Current seats PS Edi Rama 75 PD Sali Berisha 45 PDIU Shpëtim Idrizi 4 DJATHTAS Enkelejd Alibeaj 4 PL Ilir Meta 3 PSD Tom Doshi 3 Independents — 6 Incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama PS

Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Albania on 11 May 2025 to elect the 140 members of the parliament.

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, led by the centre-right Democrats, increased their seat-share from 43 seats to 59. However of the 59 seats 9 went to smaller parties that ran within the Democratic party.

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. In June 2021, the parliament initiated impeachment proceedings against Meta, accusing him of undermining the neutrality of the presidency. However, in February 2022, the constitutional court ruled that Meta's actions did not constitute a violation of the constitution.

Electoral system

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The electoral system of Albania is constructed upon the principles defined in the constitution and the electoral code. As a parliamentary constitutional 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. The parliament is composed of 140 representatives with a term of four years, where 100 members are elected directly from multi-member constituencies and 40 members from multi-name lists of parties or coalitions. The constitution codifies substantial democratic principles, stipulating that voting rights are equal, free, and conducted through secret ballot. All citizens of Albania, upon reaching the age of 18 and have not been deprived of voting rights, are permitted to participate in elections. 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 integrated on population size within 12 electoral districts, which correspond to the administrative regions of Albania. To ensure proportional representation, the d'Hondt method is employed for seat distribution, contingent upon an electoral threshold of 1%. This method facilitates a fair allocation of seats relative to the number of registered citizens in each district of Albania.

Election date

According to the constitution, parliamentary elections in Albania are required to be conducted no later than 60 days and no earlier than 30 days prior to the expiration of the parliament's mandate. On 11 October 2024, the 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. 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. 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. 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. Begaj described the consultations as the beginning of a transparent and constructive electoral process. 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. The Democratic Party declined to participate in consultations with President 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. On 25 November, President 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. Conclusively, on 5 December, Begaj announced that the 2025 elections would be scheduled for 11 May 2025.

Amendments

On 26 July 2024, the parliament approved the amendments to the new electoral code, which included provisions for diaspora voting 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.

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. The KQZ also finalised 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.

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. 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.

Parliamentary parties

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. Subsequent to the 2021 parliamentary election, the PS obtained 74 of the 140 seats, emerging as the majority party. The PD–AN secured 59 seats, while LSI acquired 4 seats and the PSD attained 1 seat.

Parties and coalitions

According to the electoral code, each political party is mandated to submit a registration request to the KQZ no later than 70 days prior to the scheduled election date. 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. Registered political parties have the option to form coalitions, which must also be registered with the KQZ at least 60 days before the election. A political party that is part of a coalition is restricted from engaging in another coalition or presenting candidates independently. 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. 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.

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. By November 2024, Basha revealed that he was engaged in advanced discussions with Endri Shabani of Nisma Thurje to explore potential electoral cooperation. However, Shabani publicly rejected the possibility of such an alliance, asserting that a cooperation with Basha or his faction was "zero".

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. 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. 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. 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.

Campaign

Election campaigns in Albania are regulated to initiate 30 days before the scheduled election date and must conclude 24 hours prior to voting. The day preceding and election day are designated as periods of electoral silence, during which all campaigning is prohibited.

Governing party

Prime Minister Edi Rama of the Socialist Party introduced the initiative "PS2030 për Shqipërinë 2030" during the party's assembly on 8 September 2024. This initiative is centered on increasing youth engagement and preparing the party for Albania's future as a member of the European Union. Its key objectives include empowering younger members and adapting the party's structure and policies to meet the challenges of the upcoming decade. As part of its election preparations, the party launched the platform called "Deputeti që Duam" focusing on selecting candidates from four key categories, including the diaspora, youth, women, and professionals.

Other parties

In August 2024, Basha of the Democratic Party–Euroatlantic Democrats presented an anti-corruption strategy for the elections, including the formation of a dedicated unit to trace and recover misappropriated public funds, alongside reinforcing the roles of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and the Special First Instance Court for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO). Basha further advocates for an extension of an anti-mafia law to encompass corrupt public-private partnerships, the confiscation of illicit assets from public officials, and the removal of parliamentary immunity to facilitate comprehensive investigations. Additionally, he proposes a vetting process aimed at cleansing both central and local government institutions.

In September 2024, the Democratic Party appointed Flamur Noka to lead the party's the coordination of campaign activities for the elections. Also in September, Adriatik Lapaj of Lëvizja Shqipëria Bëhet stated that over the past year, they have been actively engaging citizens through meetings in Tirana, regional areas, and the diaspora, underscoring the role of the electorate in challenging the existing government. Lapaj criticized both the Socialist Party and Democratic Party, claiming that their leaders exploit criminal networks to manipulate elections and maintain power. Lapaj's vision seeks to dismantle this system, promising an alternative model based on honesty and accountability, with the ultimate goal of empowering the Albanian people to enact change.

Opinion polls

Leadership approval

Edi Rama

The polls below asked voters for their opinion of Edi Rama, leader of the Socialist Party and Prime Minister of Albania since September 2013.

Sali Berisha

The polls below asked voters for their opinion of Sali Berisha, current leader of the Democratic Party and Leader of the Opposition, former Prime Minister of Albania and former President of Albania .

Lulzim Basha

The polls below asked voters for their opinion of Lulzim Basha, former leader of the Democratic Party and former Mayor of Tirana.

Ilir Meta

The polls below asked voters for their opinion of Ilir Meta, leader of the Freedom Party, former President of Albania .

Endrit Shabani

The polls below asked voters for their opinion of Endrit Shabani, leader of Nisma Thurje, an extra-parliamentary opposition party.

Arlind Qori

The polls below asked voters for their opinion of Arlind Qori, leader of Lëvizja Bashkë, an extra-parliamentary opposition party.

Adriatik Lapaj

The polls below asked voters for their opinion of Adriatik Lapaj, leader of Shqipëria Bëhet, an extra-parliamentary opposition movement.

Nationwide

Notes

1. One seat each held by the PR, PAA, LZHK, PBDNJ, PLL, Mundësia.

References

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2. "Parliament votes in favor of impeaching President Ilir Meta". Euronews Albania. 9 June 2021. Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
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5. OSCE 1998, p. 1, Article 1.
6. ^ OSCE 1998, p. 12, Article 64.
7. ^ OSCE 2021, p. 6.
8. OSCE 1998, p. 9, Article 45.
9. OSCE 1998, p. 14, Article 73.
10. OSCE 1998, p. 8, Article 45.
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26. Electoral Code 2024, p. 2.
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29. ^ Electoral Code 2024, p. 34, Article 64.
30. ^ Electoral Code 2024, p. 34, Article 65.
31. Electoral Code 2024, p. 35, Article 67.
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38. ^ Electoral Code 2024, p. 39, Article 77.
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Sources

• "Constitution of the Republic of Albania". Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). 22 November 1998. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
• "Albania, Parliamentary Elections, 25 April 2021: Final Report". Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). 26 July 2021. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
• "Ligj Nr. 10 019, Datë 29.12.2008 Kodi Zgjedhor i Rpublikës së Shqipërisë (Electoral Code 2024)" (PDF) (in Albanian). Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve (KQZ). 26 July 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 September 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.

v t e Elections and referendums in Albania
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Referendums	1994 1997 1998

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