Albanian Democratic Party appeals certification of May 11 elections in Electoral College

The Democratic Party filed an appeal today at the Electoral College against the Regulatory Commission’s decision to certify the results of the May 11 parliamentary elections.

Why is this important: The opposition’s move delays President Bajram Begaj from setting a date for the first session of the new parliament.

Context: The Democratic Party claims the May 11 vote was marred by misuse of public resources, voter intimidation, political patronage, and criminal interference in districts including Durrës, Shkodër, Elbasan, Vlorë, Fier, Korçë, and Dibër. It argues the process was neither free nor fair and therefore cannot produce a legitimate outcome.

The appeal comes after months of disputes and challenges over the election results. The Central Election Commission’s Regulatory Commission voted 3–2 last week to certify the mandates of the new parliament. The session was heated, with opposition representatives denouncing the decision as lacking standards.

The Democratic Party has formally declared it does not recognize the results. “PD does not recognize the elections, as we have declared. Our representatives maintained a dignified stance in the commission. They expressed their views — these were a true electoral farce,” the party stated.

What else: The May 11 elections produced a sweeping victory for the Socialist Party with 83 seats, nine more than in 2021. The PD-led coalition secured 50 seats, 13 fewer than the last election. Smaller parties also entered parliament and for the first time, emigrants participated through postal voting.

Certification of the result allows President Begaj to decree the opening of the 11th legislature within 10 days of the current parliament’s term expiring — unless the opposition’s appeal changes the timeline.

Next steps: The Electoral College will examine the Democratic Party’s complaint, which will determine whether the certification stands or if the case reopens disputes over the May 11 results.