Albania’s 2025 parliamentary elections have been seen as a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic development, as highlighted by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE-ODIHR) in its preliminary findings. While the elections showcased notable progress, including the introduction of diaspora voting, they also revealed ongoing challenges related to political fairness, institutional transparency, and electoral integrity.
A Landmark for Diaspora Voting
One of the key milestones in these elections was the introduction of diaspora voting, marking a historic first for Albania. Although the process was delayed and fraught with logistical difficulties, the OSCE-ODIHR praised it as a major step forward for Albania’s democracy. The inclusion of Albanians living abroad was seen as a significant effort to involve all citizens in the political process, especially those with strong ties to the country but who have been long excluded from voting. Despite the positive recognition, the report noted that the implementation of this new voting system was not without flaws, with technical and informational barriers still in place for some voters. However, the move was hailed as a foundational shift toward greater inclusivity in Albania’s elections.
Transparency and Voter Participation
The OSCE-ODIHR found that, overall, Albania’s election administration was transparent and well-organized, with high levels of participation from voters. Citizens showed strong engagement in the electoral process, and there was commendable interest from first-time voters and the diaspora. The Central Election Commission (CEC) managed to keep the voting process running smoothly in most areas, despite some challenges with voter identification and ballot-counting procedures.
However, the OSCE-ODIHR flagged serious concerns about the use of state resources during the campaign, particularly by the ruling party. The report highlighted instances where government officials engaged in campaign activities that blurred the lines between state functions and political party interests, undermining the principle of equal opportunity. Such practices, which included large-scale debt forgiveness announcements close to election day, are seen as violations of electoral fairness, raising questions about the influence of money and state power in elections. The OSCE-ODIHR also raised concerns about vote-buying and voter intimidation, which remain persistent problems despite reforms and attempts at greater oversight.
While the establishment of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) to investigate electoral crimes was seen as a positive development, long-standing electoral abuses were still observed on election day.
Gender Inequality in Politics
Another critical aspect of the report was Albania’s gender representation in the political arena. While women’s political participation has improved—38.5% of registered candidates were women—the country still faces significant challenges in achieving gender equality in decision-making bodies. Women hold only 36% of parliamentary seats, and the report pointed out that gender quotas and structural barriers continue to limit women’s political advancement, especially in leadership positions within electoral bodies.
Furthermore, the digital campaign environment also came under scrutiny, with OSCE- ODIHR noting that many political parties, despite signing a Digital Campaign Code of Conduct, still engaged in spreading manipulative and divisive content. The report highlighted the issue of coordinated inauthentic behaviour on social media platforms, particularly in relation to opposition groups, without effective regulation or monitoring by authorities.
Therefore, while Albania’s 2025 elections demonstrated significant technical and organizational improvements, the OSCE-ODIHR made it clear that structural reforms are still necessary for the country to achieve truly free, fair, and transparent elections.
The report called for greater accountability, particularly in campaign finance, vote counting procedures, and the monitoring of social media activity. Additionally, the need for broader electoral reforms in the areas of local electoral commissions and
defamation laws remains pressing.
In conclusion, while Albania’s 2025 parliamentary elections were an important step forward, they also highlighted persistent issues that need urgent attention. From the introduction of diaspora voting to efforts to address electoral fraud, Albania’s democratic processes are evolving, but significant work remains to ensure that future elections are fair and free from undue influence. For Albania to strengthen its democratic foundations, political will and comprehensive reform will be crucial in the years ahead.
Written by our correspondent A.T.
