Albanians abroad must register 68 days before 2025 parliamentary elections

Albanians living abroad who wish to participate in the May 2025 parliamentary elections must register on the Electronic Registration Platform at least 68 days before the election date. The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published regulations outlining the entire process, from setting up the platform to creating and displaying the list of eligible voters abroad, which will be separate from the domestic voters’ list.

Why is it important

Following amendments to the electoral code in July, Albanians living abroad will vote in parliamentary elections for the first time in 2025. Their votes will count in the district where they last resided before leaving the country.

Registration Rules

• The registration period opens 120 days before the election date and closes 68 days prior.
• Registration must be completed through the Electronic Registration Platform, which is free and accessible to voters. Voters need to download the platform, create an account, and authenticate using biometric facial recognition, a unique six-digit temporary code sent to their mobile phone and email, and their Personal Identification Number.
• Required documents include proof of property ownership, residence verification, lease contracts, or any document issued by the relevant state authority confirming the voter’s residence in a specific structure.
• The CEC, through the State Election Commissioner, will decide on the registration request within five calendar days of receipt. The decision on whether a voter is included in the preliminary list will be communicated via the platform.
• The State Election Commissioner will publish the preliminary voter list 63 days before the election, allowing voters 48 hours to request corrections. Three days later, or 60 days before the election date, the final list will be approved and published on the CEC’s official website. Once published, the list is final and cannot be changed.

The Bottom Line

To vote in the 2025 parliamentary elections, Albanians abroad must complete the registration process early, ensuring their inclusion on the finalized voter list.