Why is this important: These latest developments underscore the scale of SP’s electoral success, reaching a solid 83-seat majority, just one mandate shy of a qualified majority. The DP’s continued erosion—even in major districts like Tirana—highlights internal weaknesses, poor electoral strategy, and growing public disillusionment. SP’s open-list victories show strong voter engagement with its candidates, while DP’s failure to elect any open-list MPs in key districts reflects a lack of local support and organizational strength.

What did Meloni say: In a warm message of support, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the outcome of the elections and highlighted the strategic partnership between Italy and Albania.

Why this is important: The positive tone of the EU’s assessment reinforces international legitimacy for the election outcome and reflects confidence in Albania’s democratic institutions. The praise for smooth election day procedures and expanded voting access—particularly for the diaspora—strengthens Albania’s profile as a candidate country on the path to EU membership.

Why this is important: The accusations come amid a tense post-election climate, with Berisha and his Democratic Party refusing to recognize the results after a historic defeat. The claims, widely circulated by Syri.net, suggested EU involvement in shielding alleged electoral irregularities.

Why is this important: This report is a key reference point for the legitimacy and transparency of Albania’s electoral process, especially as the country advances its European Union integration goals. The findings of the OSCE/ODIHR influence both domestic debate and international perceptions of democratic standards in Albania. While the elections were deemed competitive, the concerns raised—particularly regarding abuse of state resources, pressure on voters, and unequal campaign conditions—highlight systemic issues that must be addressed. The involvement of SPAK and the new institutional coordination on electoral crimes is a notable development that could set the tone for future enforcement.

Why is this important: The diaspora vote, although not decisive in terms of mandates, is seen as a symbolic indicator of broader political trends and party appeal among Albanians living abroad. The current tally adds to SP’s overall national lead, reinforcing the narrative of a fourth consecutive mandate for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s party.

Why this is important: According to the current results, the DP and its allies are expected to secure just 50 seats—down from 63 in the 2021 elections and the party’s worst showing since 1997, when Albania was engulfed in anarchy following the collapse of fraudulent pyramid schemes under DP rule. The outcome is even more damaging given that Berisha returned to the party leadership precisely to reverse the electoral underperformance seen during Lulzim Basha’s tenure. Instead, the results under Berisha are even lower, raising serious questions about his political future.

Why is this important: The results so far mark a sweeping win for the Socialists, who are gaining seats across nearly every district in the country. The opposition, led by Sali Berisha and the Democratic Party (DP) coalition, is experiencing a veritable collapse—falling to just 50 seats, a significant drop from their 63 in 2021. The diaspora vote is also leaning toward SP, albeit with a narrower margin. It currently leads with 47.23% compared to DP’s 38.60%.

Why is this important: The decision, announced by Chief Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi, directly contradicts the CEC’s own rules, which require preliminary electronic results to be made public immediately after polls close. This was, in fact, one of the key promises behind the adoption and promotion of electronic voting. Critics say the delay lacks legal grounding, undermines transparency, and risks distorting public perception of the election outcome—especially since results from several voting centers in Vorë have already been leaked and widely circulated.