TIRANA, May 11 – Albanians headed to the polls on Sunday in a closely watched parliamentary election, with Prime Minister Edi Rama seeking a historic fourth term in office amid growing political fatigue and persistent corruption concerns.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and are due to close at 7 p.m., with preliminary results expected by Monday. The vote follows a campaign shaped by promises of European Union accession and mounting public discontent.

Rama, 60, who has led the ruling Socialist Party since 2013, remains the frontrunner. His challenger is longtime political rival Sali Berisha, the 80-year-old former prime minister now leading the opposition Democratic Party.

Leader of the Socialist party and Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama holds a final rally before the parliamentary election, in Tirana, Albania, May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Florion Goga

Berisha is seeking a political comeback while facing corruption allegations and is backed by Republican strategist Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.

Rama has maintained a firm grip on power, underpinned by more than a decade of steady economic growth, influential international ties, and a well-oiled party network. But public frustration has intensified, with critics accusing him of stifling dissent—most notably through legal action targeting Berisha—and failing to uproot systemic graft.

Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party Sali Berisha votes during parliamentary election in Tirana, Albania, May 11, 2025. REUTERS/Antonio Bronic

The prime minister himself has not been immune to controversy. Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, a close ally, was arrested earlier this year on charges of corruption and money laundering. Both Veliaj and Berisha deny any wrongdoing.

In his final rally on Friday, Rama doubled down on his ambition to lead Albania into the European Union by 2030—a timeline many analysts question due to the depth of institutional reforms still required, particularly in governance and the rule of law.

“We will get our fourth mandate, and we will not lose a single day for Albania 2030 in the EU,” Rama told supporters.

Young voters Disillusioned

Despite GDP growth averaging over 4% from 2022 to 2024—outpacing much of the Western Balkans, according to the World Bank—many Albanians remain skeptical. Organized crime and corruption continue to plague the system, with criminal networks reportedly repatriating billions in illicit profits.

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

Disillusionment is particularly widespread among younger voters, many of whom feel trapped in a stagnant political cycle dominated by figures like Rama and Berisha, who have shaped Albania’s post-communist era.

“I will vote for new politicians because those like Rama and Berisha have been here for three decades and they only replace themselves,” said 21-year-old Arber Qazimi.
An economics student, Erisa, told Reuters she planned to abstain, adding she hoped to join the hundreds of thousands of Albanians who have emigrated to EU countries in search of better opportunities.

Still, some voters expressed cautious hope. “We want to see changes to stop youth from going out of the country,” said 37-year-old Elson Toska. “The future is not Europe, to go and work there. We have our own country.”

Polls suggest the Socialist Party may secure over 40% of the vote, with the Democrats trailing. However, maintaining their current majority in the 140-seat parliament could depend on support from smaller coalition partners.

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

Source: Reuters