From Political Promise to a New Reality
For decades, the Albanian diaspora has been positioned as a valuable economic asset, yet largely excluded from political decision-making. Is this newfound push to grant them voting rights a genuine step toward democratization, or is it simply a political carrot dangled in the run-up to elections? The data from the 2023 Census reveal an Albania fundamentally transformed by emigration: Over half the nation’s population resides abroad, creating a scenario where the pulse of Albania’s future may now lie beyond its borders. Yet the diaspora’s historical exclusion from voting has left many questioning whether the country’s democratic ideals have truly expanded to include all voices.
The notion of allowing the diaspora to vote has been on Albania’s political radar since the early 1990s, but has it ever been more than a political mirage? Amendments to the Electoral Code in 2020 technically allowed for diaspora voting, but without a concrete implementation mechanism, the promise seemed more smoke than substance. Fast forward to 2025: under pressure from both domestic activists and international observers, the government appears to be turning rhetoric into reality. Yet one wonders—will this time be any different?
Perspectives and Political Calculations
The political actors driving the diaspora vote reform are navigating a landscape fraught with both opportunity and risk. Prime Minister Edi Rama via his podcast “Flasim”, has described the inclusion of diaspora voters as a “historic milestone,” but is his optimism rooted in genuine democratic ideals or strategic political calculation? After all, the diaspora represents a significant economic force—could the move to grant voting rights be aimed at securing the loyalty of this influential constituency?
Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has framed the diaspora vote as a double-edged sword, praising its potential to hold the ruling party accountable while also cautioning against possible manipulation. In a press conference held at 27 December 2024, Berisha stressed the importance of enabling over 1.5 million Albanians abroad to exercise their long-denied constitutional right to vote, which he believes could be decisive in the upcoming May 11, 2025, elections. He emphasized ongoing efforts to engage the diaspora through campaigns and meetings, viewing their participation as crucial for the opposition’s anticipated victory.
Even within the CEC, the process’s implementation remains a delicate balancing act. While Celibashi has attempted to project an image of readiness, his acknowledgment of Albania’s limited experience with postal voting raises the question: will the system be robust enough to withstand scrutiny? And should anything go awry, who will be held accountable?
How Will It Work?
In July 2024, Parliament passed amendments to the Electoral Code that included provisions for diaspora voting, assigning responsibility to the Central Election Commission (CEC). The registration process for emigrants will occur through an online platform requiring identification documents and the submission of a voting address. Voting will be conducted by mail, with voters responsible for mailing their ballots back to the CEC—a potentially costly endeavour. Ballot counting will take place at the CEC headquarters, with votes divided by Albania’s 12 electoral districts. Given time constraints, electronic voting and counting remain unlikely for the upcoming elections, except in select districts.
However, Ilirjan Celibashi, Chairman of the CEC, has projected confidence, emphasizing the system’s readiness. But will assurances alone be enough to quell doubts? The government’s announcement that it will cover the costs of mailing ballots may address financial barriers, but questions of transparency, potential disenfranchisement, and ballot security linger. The diaspora’s response to registration has been enthusiastic thus far—over 2,400 registered within 19 hours of the platform’s launch—but whether this early momentum will translate into actual votes remains anyone’s guess. For instance, in districts like Kukës—where the emigrant population surpasses the local resident population—interest is high, particularly among those in the UK, Italy, Germany, Greece, and the US. Residents in Has express optimism, viewing the diaspora vote as an opportunity for transformative change.
Key Developments and Parliamentary Reforms
In July 2024, Albania’s Parliament amended the Electoral Code to mandate mail-in voting for the diaspora. Voters must register on a CEC-managed platform, submit documents, and receive their ballots by mail. Their votes will be counted in their last registered district in Albania, a measure critics warn could skew electoral balance in favour of major parties.
Despite government assurances, concerns over vote confidentiality persist. Civil society groups and the opposition are demanding international oversight to safeguard the process. A February 17, 2025, bipartisan agreement introduced further reforms:
– No Voting Fees: Voting is now free for diaspora voters.
– New Deadlines: Candidate registration moved to March 12; diaspora appeals extended to 30 days before elections.
– Vote Counting Commission: A five-member body will oversee diaspora vote counting.
Debates continue over allowing voting with foreign-issued documents. While the Democratic Party (DP) supports it, Socialist leader Niko Peleshi opposes the measure, citing verification concerns. Additional changes extended advertising time and allowed self-funding up to 3 million ALL. As Albania moves toward its next elections, transparency and fairness remain key points of contention.
Perspectives from Key Actors
Ilirjan Celibashi, head of the CEC and primary administrator of the process, has sought to instil confidence in the new system but acknowledges the complexities ahead. “Mail-in voting is a multifaceted process that requires time to perfect,” he admitted, highlighting Albania’s lack of experience in this area and the fragility of its electoral infrastructure.
Prime Minister Edi Rama heralded this development as a “historic milestone for Albanian democracy.” He emphasized that the diaspora is a significant economic and cultural force, and it is time for its political influence to be recognized. Rama has pledged full government support for ballot mailing and return costs and assured that the CEC will have all necessary resources to guarantee process security.
Conversely, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has voiced strong criticism, expressing concerns over potential manipulation by the majority. He called for stricter safeguards to prevent abuse and urged emigrants to register en masse to “hold those in power accountable.” The road ahead for the diaspora vote is paved with both promise and uncertainty. Whether this initiative will deepen Albania’s democratic roots or expose vulnerabilities in its electoral system remains to be seen. Yet, one contentious issue remains unresolved: Should voting with foreign-issued documents be allowed? The DP continues to push for this provision, but it is currently excluded from the draft Electoral Code. The CEC’s Regulatory Commission is expected to review the matter. Socialist parliamentary group leader Niko Peleshi defended the exclusion, citing verification challenges and stressing the need to safeguard electoral integrity as diaspora voting is implemented for the first time.
Additional reforms addressed media and financing rules, including extended television advertising time for candidates and allowing party self-funding up to 3 million ALL. This marks the second bipartisan agreement on electoral reform since the initial July 2024 amendments.
Is Diaspora Vote an Opportunity or Uncalculated Risk for Albanian Elections?
Albania’s experiment with diaspora voting stands at a critical crossroads. Is it the democratic leap forward that its proponents claim, or could it become a Pandora’s box of unforeseen electoral complications? Much depends on the coming months—whether transparency is prioritized, whether logistical hurdles are cleared, and whether the Albanian public, both at home and abroad, can trust the integrity of the process. One thing is certain: the diaspora, long viewed as an outsider in Albania’s political arena, is finally being brought into the fold. But whether this inclusion is celebrated or contested will be determined by how well Albania manages this bold democratic experiment.
Written by our correspondent A.T.
