The parliamentary elections of Tirana (Brussels Morning Newpaper) in Albania in 2025, which many people saw as a turning point for the democratic path of the country and its long target dates from joining the European Union, ended with a preliminary victory). According to the results of the early vote, the party has won a fourth consecutive mandate in the government.
According to the data of 4,943 or the 5.225 voting centers, the Socialist Party leads with 52.09 percent, with about 95 percent of the tickets counted. This gives the SP a parliamentary seat 82 or 140 projected.
The main opposition block, the “Democratic Party and the Alliance for a great Shasm of Albania-DP”, received 34.50% of the votes and is expected to obtain 51 seats. The Social Democratic party arrives in third place with 3.47 percent of the votes, which translates into three mandates.
Several political movements Obline representation, including the “opportunity” party (two seats), the “Albania” (a seat) and the “together” (a seat) party.
Sunday’s election was held under a recently renovated electoral system, the result of a rare parliamentary agreement of crossed parties. The hybrid system combined lists of open and closed candidates, giving voters more influence on individual candidates while preserving some control over party leadership. In total, 2,046 candidates (1,259 men and 787 women) competed for the position in 11 political groups.
Adriatik Lapaj, Arlind Qori and Agron Shehaj were among the newcomers to the independent movement, campaigning in ideas that attracted the younger voters and those who were previously disconnected from politics.
More than 3.7 million residents, including Albanian citizens who resided abroad, could vote for the first time. Approximately 254,000 ballots to the diaspora were distributed, with almost 75% returned, indicating a substantial change in the electoral inclination. In addition, more than 114,000 voters for the first time, part in the elections.
However, the electoral participation in Albania was 42.21 percent, according to the data of 3,037 voting centers, a decrease in the previous elections. At 7 pm, participation had decreased from 45.41% in 2021 to 42.16%.
The campaign period was mostly Pacific, dominated by the messaging of social networks, he thought that opposition parties increased conerns on the alleged misuse of public funds and pressure on public sector workers. Tensions exploded in several areas on election day. In Lushnje, there was a confrontation among the supporters of the Socialist and Democratic Party, while in Vora, the general secretary of the Democratic Party, Flamur Noka, had a threat behavior battery that gave a dispute with the socialist sponsors. In Tirana, the Democratic Party officials reported a separate incident that involved people who allegedly found with sensitive and effective electoral materials.
Police arrested seven people about voting-relato crimes, including photography of illegal votes. To reinforce electoral integrity, the special anti -corruption prosecutor (SPAK) sent investigators to the 12 regions. Spak confirmed that consultations on alleged electoral crimes are ongoing.
International observers, including representatives of the European Union and the OSCE/ODIHR, were present during the elections. Speaking of Durës, the EU ambassador Silvio Gonzaato stressed the need for legitimate elections for the adhesion aspirations of the EU of Albania.
The elections are considered a fire test for the democratic maturity of the country and the European destiny, instead of simply a political struggle.
