Albanian President sets May 11 as date for 2025 parliamentary elections

President Bajram Begaj has officially decreed May 11, 2025, as the date for Albania’s parliamentary elections. The decision aligns with the Electoral Code, which stipulates that elections should take place during the final Sundays of the electoral period.

Why is this important: May 11 was not only proposed by the Socialist Party but also recommended by the Central Election Commission (CEC). The CEC emphasized the need for adequate time to prepare the infrastructure for overseas voting and electronic voting—a first in Albania’s electoral process. In his announcement, President Begaj confirmed that his decision was based on the formal request by State Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi to ensure these preparations are effectively managed.

Context: The president held consultations with parliamentary political parties, although the Democratic Party (DP) boycotted the meetings. DP representatives accused the president of endorsing a pre-determined date by the Socialist Party, dismissing the consultations as a political formality.

The upcoming May 11 elections are key for both major political blocs. For the Socialist Party, the elections are an opportunity to secure a historic fourth consecutive mandate in government. For the Democratic Party, the elections present a crucial moment to end their 12-year stint in opposition. Another defeat would probably severely weaken the opposition even further. 

Key developments: These elections mark a historic milestone: for the first time, Albanians living abroad will have the opportunity to vote. However, the implementation of electronic voting remains undecided. While the Socialists and smaller parties have proposed electronic voting in key areas like Tirana, the Democratic Party remains skeptical, citing concerns raised during the 2023 elections. They oppose electronic voting for the upcoming polls, demanding additional scrutiny to prevent irregularities.

The Central Election Commission now bears responsibility for determining whether electronic voting will be applied and in which regions, as the political debate continues.

May 11 promises to be a decisive moment for Albania’s political future, testing the country’s ability to expand voter participation and implement modern voting technologies effectively.