NuzTube INDIA
TIRANA, May 11 — Albanians headed to the polls on Sunday in a pivotal parliamentary election, where Prime Minister Edi Rama is vying for an unprecedented fourth term. The campaign has been dominated by ambitious promises to secure European Union membership and growing concerns over entrenched corruption.
Polls closed at 7 p.m., with official results expected by Tuesday, according to Ilirjan Celibashi, head of the Central Election Commission.
Rama, who has led the Socialist Party (PS) since 2013, remains the frontrunner against his long-time political rival and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party (PD). Rama’s position is strengthened by Albania’s recent economic growth and his diplomatic reputation abroad. However, scandals—including the arrest of Tirana’s mayor and close ally Erion Veliaj on money laundering charges—have dented his image. Both Veliaj and Berisha deny wrongdoing.
Despite controversies, Rama has continued to push his narrative of European integration, asserting that Albania could join the EU by 2030—a goal many analysts view as optimistic due to the deep reforms still needed, particularly in anti-corruption measures.
An exit poll by Albanian Post and Klan Kosova TV suggested Rama’s party could secure 51.8% of the vote (79 seats), with Berisha’s party trailing at 38% (54 seats). Berisha disputed the poll, claiming bias. Several major TV networks declined to release exit polls citing legal and procedural concerns.
Although Rama is expected to lead, he may need to form alliances with smaller parties to secure a stable parliamentary majority in the 140-seat legislature.
Speaking after casting his vote, Rama declared, “Today, the Albanian people will give us the strength to make Albania the next EU member state.” Berisha, while also backing EU membership, promised to fight corruption and raise wages: “It’s going to be a new summer day for Albanians.”
For the first time, about 200,000 Albanians from the diaspora were allowed to vote, expanding the electoral landscape. However, disillusionment among younger voters is evident, many of whom are calling for new leadership after decades dominated by Rama and Berisha since the end of communism in 1990.
“I want someone new. Rama and Berisha have been in charge forever—they just take turns,” said Arber Qazimi, 21.
Many voters have opted out of the political process entirely, or joined the hundreds of thousands who have emigrated to EU countries seeking better opportunities.
Despite the political fatigue, Albania has experienced annual growth above 4% from 2022 to 2024, bolstered by EU trade and a thriving tourism sector, according to the World Bank. But the shadow of corruption persists, fueled by criminal gangs trafficking drugs and weapons and laundering billions through domestic channels.
