Why this is important: This rift signals a crisis of representation inside the DP. Figures known for their technical, issue-focused, and reformist stances—like Ilir Alimehmeti and Jorida Tabaku—attracted strong support in the open contest. Yet, parliamentary mandates will largely go to Berisha loyalists who benefit from party votes on the closed list. The gap between voter preference and actual representation underscores the growing frustration among the DP electorate and further complicates Berisha’s position, as he remains unwilling to relinquish party leadership.

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 this is important: The refusal to accept the outcome came as no surprise to many observers. In the weeks leading up to the vote, with a flood of surveys indicating a Socialist landslide, speculation mounted that Berisha would cry fraud if defeated—both to avoid resigning as party leader, as required by the DP statute, and to retain control of the party as a political shield amid ongoing legal troubles. The final tally, with the Socialist Party (PS) projected to secure around 82–83 mandates, aligns closely with internal SP projections and even on-air forecasts made weeks before election day.

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.