Government extends ID validity to ensure voting rights for 600,000 citizens
Just four days ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections, the government has approved a normative act extending the validity of all identification documents expiring between May 11 and May 30. The decision affects only citizens residing within Albania.
Why is this important: An estimated 600,000 citizens have identification documents that have expired or are set to expire by election day. The extension allows all of them to exercise their right to vote. A similar decision was taken earlier this year for Albanian citizens living abroad.
Context: The decision follows a formal request by the opposition Democratic Party and comes as part of broader efforts to ensure inclusive participation in the electoral process.
The Minister of State for Relations with Parliament, Taulant Balla, who announced the decision, also stated that State Police will move to reinforced duty before, during, and after election day to guarantee order and security in line with the Electoral Code.
Meanwhile, the Central Election Commission confirmed that distribution of election materials has already begun nationwide.
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