Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama appeared poised to secure a historic fourth consecutive term as preliminary results from Sunday’s parliamentary elections showed his Socialist Party (PS) taking a commanding lead. With 29% of the votes counted, the PS had secured 52.85%, according to the state election commission, while the Democratic Party (PD), led by former prime minister Sali Berisha, trailed with 34.27%.

Polling stations closed at 7 p.m. on Sunday, and final results are expected by Tuesday, according to Election Commission head Ilirjan Celibashi.

A Contentious Campaign

According to Reuters, the election was dominated by competing promises to accelerate Albania’s EU accession and widespread allegations of corruption. Rama, who has led the country since 2013, campaigned heavily on his commitment to making Albania a European Union member state by 2030 — a goal some analysts regard as ambitious given the need for deep reforms, especially in fighting graft. “Today the Albanian people will … give us all the strength we need to make Albania the next European member state,” Rama declared after casting his vote.

Despite enjoying high-profile international support and presiding over years of solid economic growth, Rama faced growing domestic criticism, particularly after the arrest of his close ally, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, on charges of corruption and money laundering earlier this year. Both Veliaj and Rama deny the allegations.

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, presidential candidate of the Socialist Party, votes during parliamentary election in Tirana, Albania, May 11, 2025. REUTERS/Florion Goga

Opposition Fights Back

Sali Berisha, Rama’s longtime political rival and leader of the PD, has also promised EU integration and a crackdown on corruption, along with wage increases for workers. Berisha, however, has been a polarizing figure, himself accused of autocratic behavior and implicated in past corruption scandals. “It’s going to be a new summer day for Albanians,” Berisha told Reuters, brushing off exit poll data suggesting a PS win. He dismissed one poll showing PS at 51.8% and PD at 38% as “pro-Rama.”

Several major Albanian broadcasters opted not to publish exit polls, citing procedural concerns or legal ambiguity.

Voter Disillusionment and Diaspora Inclusion

In a notable development, around 200,000 Albanians living abroad participated in the vote — the first time the diaspora has been included in national elections.

Still, voter fatigue was palpable, especially among younger Albanians, many of whom expressed frustration over the lack of political renewal. “I will vote for new politicians because those like Rama and Berisha have been here for three decades and they only replace themselves,” said Arber Qazimi, a 21-year-old student.

Some citizens chose not to vote at all, while others expressed intent to emigrate, reflecting ongoing dissatisfaction with widening inequality and persistent corruption. Albania has experienced significant emigration over the past decade, particularly to EU countries.

A man votes during parliamentary election in Tirana, Albania, May 11, 2025. REUTERS/Florion Goga

A Mixed Record

Rama has pointed to robust economic growth — averaging over 4% annually between 2022 and 2024, according to the World Bank — and a booming tourism sector as evidence of progress. Trade with the EU has also been a major driver of Albania’s recent performance.

However, experts warn that criminal networks trafficking drugs and arms continue to fuel corruption, undermining public institutions and the legal system. Critics argue these networks also launder billions of euros through Albanian businesses.

With nearly a third of votes tallied, Rama appears on track to retain a parliamentary majority, though final results and the role of smaller parties could still affect the ultimate balance of power in the 140-seat national assembly.