Albania’s top election official calls May 11 vote a success, urges full reform

Four months after the May 11 elections, Albania’s State Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi described the vote as a success but admitted it exposed significant shortcomings. Speaking at a press conference, he called on parliament to carry out a full electoral reform, forwarding 14 proposals. Celibashi highlighted out-of-country voting as one of the greatest achievements of the May 11 elections.

Why is this important: The commissioner’s assessment while recognizing progress places pressure on parliament to address electoral integrity, transparency, and administration before the next election cycle.

Context: The opposition dismissed Celibashi’s remarks as “ridiculous.” Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha told reporters that the party had proven with evidence that the May 11 elections were nothing more than an “electoral farce.” Celibashi also confirmed that no concrete steps have yet been taken to organize elections in three municipalities currently without mayors. Their previous leaders resigned after running for parliament in the May 11 elections.

Next steps: Parliament is now expected to review Celibashi’s 14 proposals as part of a broader electoral reform process. The handling of elections in the three municipalities without mayors will serve as an early test of whether reforms move forward in practice.