Election officials close a polling station during Albania’s 2013 parliamentary elections, as observers look on. Photo credit: OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (CC BY-SA 2.0)
KEY FACTS
Freedom House Rating
Partly Free
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Population
3.1 million |
UPCOMING ELECTIONS
Parliamentary Elections
June 2025 (due)
Local Elections
May 2027 (due) |
PAST ELECTIONS
Local Elections
May 14, 2023
Parliamentary Elections
April 25, 2021 |
Albania is due to hold parliamentary elections by June 2025.
Political Context
After World War II, Albania became an isolationist communist dictatorship under Enver Hoxha. Albanian communism was some of the most brutal in the world – for example, Hoxha thought Mao Zedong was too soft. However, since communism collapsed in 1990, Albania has held competitive elections and several transitions of power between political parties.
Albania’s two biggest parties are the Socialist Party (SP), formed from a remnant of the former communists, and the center-right Democratic Party (DP), which was founded ahead of the 1991 elections as Albania’s first modern opposition party. The third-biggest party is the center-left Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI), founded by Ilir Meta, who broke off from SP. However, LSI has worked with both the DP and the SP and is seen as a kingmaker.
Edi Rama of the SP has been prime minister since 2013, when he ousted DP founder Sali Berisha from the office. Bajram Begaj is president – although in Albania’s parliamentary system, the president is chosen by parliament and holds no executive power.
Geopolitical Context
Since 2009, Albania has been a member of NATO and a strong partner of the Untied States. Albania also applied for European Union membership in 2009, but it was not until March 2020 that formal accession negotiations got a formal greenlight.
Meanwhile, China has been ramping up its presence in Albania (and the wider Western Balkans region).
Curated News and Analysis
Fjori Sinoruka, Balkan Insight (October 22, 2024): Albanian Opposition Leaders’ Arrests Create Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
AP (October 21, 2024): Former Albanian President Meta arrested for alleged corruption
DW (October 8, 2024): Albania: Clashes as protesters call on government to resign
Llazar Semini, AP (October 8, 2024): Albania’s opposition protests and demands a caretaker Cabinet
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content, and their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Updated October 30, 2024.
Albania Elections Overview
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Last Updated: October 30, 2024 by 21votes
Freedom House Rating
Partly Free
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Population
3.1 million
Parliamentary Elections
June 2025 (due)
Local Elections
May 2027 (due)
Local Elections
May 14, 2023
Parliamentary Elections
April 25, 2021
Albania is due to hold parliamentary elections by June 2025.
Political Context
After World War II, Albania became an isolationist communist dictatorship under Enver Hoxha. Albanian communism was some of the most brutal in the world – for example, Hoxha thought Mao Zedong was too soft. However, since communism collapsed in 1990, Albania has held competitive elections and several transitions of power between political parties.
Albania’s two biggest parties are the Socialist Party (SP), formed from a remnant of the former communists, and the center-right Democratic Party (DP), which was founded ahead of the 1991 elections as Albania’s first modern opposition party. The third-biggest party is the center-left Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI), founded by Ilir Meta, who broke off from SP. However, LSI has worked with both the DP and the SP and is seen as a kingmaker.
Edi Rama of the SP has been prime minister since 2013, when he ousted DP founder Sali Berisha from the office. Bajram Begaj is president – although in Albania’s parliamentary system, the president is chosen by parliament and holds no executive power.
Geopolitical Context
Since 2009, Albania has been a member of NATO and a strong partner of the Untied States. Albania also applied for European Union membership in 2009, but it was not until March 2020 that formal accession negotiations got a formal greenlight.
Meanwhile, China has been ramping up its presence in Albania (and the wider Western Balkans region).
Curated News and Analysis
Fjori Sinoruka, Balkan Insight (October 22, 2024): Albanian Opposition Leaders’ Arrests Create Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
AP (October 21, 2024): Former Albanian President Meta arrested for alleged corruption
DW (October 8, 2024): Albania: Clashes as protesters call on government to resign
Llazar Semini, AP (October 8, 2024): Albania’s opposition protests and demands a caretaker Cabinet
21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content, and their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.
Updated October 30, 2024.
Category: Overview Tags: Albania