Socialists finalizing database of potential diaspora voters ahead of May 2025 elections
Within three weeks, the Socialist Party is set to complete a comprehensive database of Albanians living abroad who are eligible to vote for the first time in the parliamentary elections on May 11, 2025. During a Monday meeting convened by Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama, discussions focused on the progress of this initiative with the party’s 16 political district leaders and Socialist-controlled mayors. The database aims to facilitate communication with diaspora voters, persuading them to support the Socialist Party for a historic fourth governing term.
Why is this important: Albanians living abroad, who constitute nearly half of the country’s population, will participate in parliamentary elections for the first time. Securing the diaspora’s votes has become a top priority for both major political camps, intensifying the competition between the ruling Socialists and the opposition. However, the database is the latest indication of the significant head start the Socialists have ensured vis-à-vis their rivals.
Context: Despite the parties’ efforts, the diaspora vote faces logistical hurdles that could jeopardize its success. The tight deadlines outlined in the electoral code for sending ballots to registered diaspora voters and their return to the Central Election Commission (CEC) pose significant challenges. International postal service providers have already expressed concerns about the feasibility of meeting these timeframes.
CEC Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi has urged political parties to address this issue by amending the electoral code to allow more time for ballot processing. Last week, Damian Gjiknuri, Secretary for Electoral Reform in the Socialist Party, acknowledged the issue and expressed willingness to collaborate with the opposition to amend the timeline. Similarly, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, during a press conference today, expressed openness to negotiating changes to the code or even the constitution if necessary to ensure the diaspora vote is protected.
The success of the diaspora vote could play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the 2025 elections, as parties strive to engage this influential demographic group and overcome logistical barriers.
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