Lulzim Basha files criminal complaint against Berisha’s candidate in Durrës over alleged voter intimidation

The Euro-Atlantic Coalition, led by former Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha, has filed a criminal complaint with SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution) against Arjan Ndoja, a former prosecutor and current parliamentary candidate in Durrës for Sali Berisha’s coalition in the May 11 elections.

Why this is important: The complaint accuses a former high-level prosecutor — already dismissed for alleged criminal links — of trying to influence the vote through intimidation and criminal association, a serious claim in a tense pre-election climate. The appointment of the former prosecutor as a candidate by Berisha was already controversial. Basha’s complaint draws attention again to Berisha’s decision to involve discredited former justice system employees in his party’s candidate lists.

Context: In the filing submitted to SPAK, Basha’s coalition accuses Ndoja of two criminal offenses: active electoral corruption and threatening or using violence against election participants.

The complaint alleges that Ndoja exerted direct pressure on voters, discouraging them from supporting rival political parties, and that he publicly referred to links with figures from the criminal underworld, with the intent of intimidating voters and shaping electoral outcomes.

“The May 11 elections must be held freely, fairly, and without the influence of organized criminal groups or vote-buying,” the coalition stated in its submission.

The complaint argues that Ndoja’s actions contradict the goals of SPAK’s own electoral crime strategy, which prioritizes investigation of threats, coercion, and the presence of criminal elements in the electoral process. Basha’s coalition called on SPAK to immediately register the complaint and begin investigations to protect the integrity of the vote.

Who is Arjan Ndoja: Arjan Ndoja is a discredited former prosecutor, now running as a candidate under Berisha’s coalition in the Durrës district. In November 2019, he survived an assassination attempt in Shkozet, near Durrës, in which his driver, Andi Maloku, was killed and his associate, a  notorious organized crime figure, was wounded.

Ndoja was dismissed from the prosecution service in May 2022 by Albania’s vetting commission for multiple reasons: unjustified wealth and documented connections to at least nine individuals suspected of criminal activity. The vetting decision cited strong links between Ndoja and organized crime figures.

What else: Despite this background, Ndoja entered the primaries organized by Sali Berisha’s Democratic faction, and was placed on the open candidate list for Durrës. His candidacy has become a flashpoint in an election season already marked by high political stakes and growing scrutiny over criminal influence in politics.

SPAK has not yet commented on whether it will open formal proceedings based on the complaint.