Albania’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has reported the arrival of an additional 2,783 ballots from the diaspora just hours before the final deadline for receiving overseas votes. With this latest delivery, the total number of votes received from Albanian citizens abroad has reached approximately 190,000, marking an unprecedented level of participation from the diaspora in the country’s parliamentary elections. The final cutoff time for the arrival of voting envelopes is set at 19:00 local time, after which no further submissions will be accepted. One more flight carrying ballots is expected to land before the deadline.
Italy remains the top contributor, with 72,290 ballots returned, accounting for 29.4% of all diaspora votes. Greece follows with 49,975 votes, or 20.3%. Although Greece initially reported lower figures due to logistical issues in recent days, numbers have now surged, reflecting a more complete return from the 68,380 envelopes distributed there. Other significant contributions include:
- Germany: 20,176 votes (8.2%);
- United States: 16,401 votes (6.7%);
- United Kingdom: 11,639 votes (4.7%);
- France: 3,805 votes (1.5%);
- Canada: 2,926 votes (1.2%).
Among Albania’s electoral districts, Tirana leads in the number of diaspora votes received, with 41,188 envelopes, accounting for 16.7% of the total. It is followed by Fier with 25,083 votes (10.2%), Durrës with 19,462 (7.9%), Elbasan with 18,834 (7.7%), Korçë with 15,806 (6.4%), Vlorë with 14,950 (6.1%), and Shkodër with 13,251 (5.4%). The counting of diaspora votes will proceed in tandem with the vote- counting process in each respective district. The counting of diaspora votes will be carried out in conjunction with the counting process in the respective electoral districts.
The Regulatory Commission of the CEC will convene at 17:00 today to review a proposed decision to extend the voting hours at 55 polling stations in Vlorë. The proposal, initiated by Commission member Mr. Arens Çela, comes amid concerns over issues observed on the ground that may have hindered the normal flow of voting in the region. Although the specific reasons for the proposal have not been officially disclosed, the CEC is expected to issue a decision following the discussion. Monitoring teams continue to closely observe the situation in Vlorë.
As the final flight carrying diaspora ballots prepares to land and the 19:00 deadline approaches, Albania stands on the cusp of a historic moment in democratic participation. The remarkable turnout from Albanian citizens abroad underscores a renewed sense of civic engagement and connection to the homeland. With monitoring efforts ongoing and the Central Election Commission actively managing on-the- ground developments such as the situation in Vlorë, the electoral process continues to unfold with transparency and high public interest. The inclusion of the diaspora in these parliamentary elections not only strengthens democratic legitimacy but also marks a significant step forward in fostering inclusive national representation.
Written by our correspondent A.T.
