PD appeals Fier election result: alleges vote buying, intimidation, and state abuse

The Democratic Party (DP) has officially appealed the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) certification of the May 11 parliamentary election results in the Fier district, filing a complaint with Albania’s Electoral Complaints and Sanctions Commission (KAS).

Why this is important: This marks the fourth official PD appeal, underscoring the party’s ongoing refusal to recognize the election results. As the Socialist Party gains broader international recognition for its victory, these appeals reflect PD’s deepening political crisis and effort to challenge what it calls a rigged process.

Context: PD previously contested the results in Berat, Gjirokastër, and Vlorë, with hearings scheduled for all three districts. The appeal in Fier alleges serious violations involving the abuse of public office, criminal interference, and suppression of voter freedom.

Main allegations:

• State involvement in vote buying: DP claims that public officials were heavily engaged in campaigning and orchestrated schemes to manipulate voter choice through vote buying.
• Criminal group interference: According to the appeal, armed groups allegedly patrolled urban and rural areas, blocked roads, and pressured voters and families to vote a certain way.
• Blurring public and party interest: The opposition argues that state institutions were mobilized in favor of the ruling Socialist Party, creating a fundamentally unequal playing field.
• Diaspora vote manipulation: PD challenges the integrity of the out-of-country voting process, claiming no proof was provided that ballots were received by the intended voters.
• Clientelism and misuse of public funds: The appeal cites reports of government jobs, social aid, and infrastructure projects being used to secure votes.

The broader message:  DP calls the entire election process a “farce,” accusing the ruling party of using state power and criminal actors to lock in its victory. The appeal warns that such systemic manipulation turns elections from democratic contests into orchestrated shows.

What’s next: KAS will review DP’s evidence and issue rulings on this and other pending appeals. Meanwhile, the growing list of international recognitions for the election outcome—including the U.S. Embassy’s message and EU statements—leaves DP increasingly isolated in its challenge.