Albanians headed to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to give Prime Minister Edi Rama a fourth term or side with his longstanding rival in an election seen as crucial for the country鈥檚 European Union ambitions.
Voting began at 7:00 am (0500 GMT), with early voters like 25-year-old Anisa Bega expressing hope for 鈥榓 better and safer future鈥�, while 70-year-old Agim Lali called for 鈥榓 peaceful vote so we can express our will and build a better Albania鈥� for future generations.
As each voter cast their ballot, a dark blue indelible ink mark was applied to their finger to prevent fraud.
More than 2,000 domestic and international observers have been deployed to monitor the process, as the international community views the election as a test of the Balkan nation's fragile institutions following a bitter and divisive campaign between Rama and fellow political veteran Sali Berisha.
A smooth electoral process is especially important for Albania, the most pro-EU country in the region, which waited 13 years before accession negotiations officially started in July 2022.
This election faces an added challenge, with the foreign diaspora voting for the first time, as low wages drive emigration, particularly among young and educated Albanians to countries such as Germany and Italy.
Nearly 246,000 Albanians outside the country are registered to vote, according to the Central Election Commission, Their ballots, sent by registered post, must be returned to the polling station in their birthplace. The commission has reported delays in some areas, however, while media said there had been address errors in ballot shipments.
Approximately 3.7 million voters are eligible to choose between candidates from three coalitions, in the proportional vote after a campaign dominated by the rivalry between Rama and Berisha.
Rama, 60, has led the Socialist Party since 2005 and is seeking a fourth straight term as prime minister. A former student leader opposed to the communist regime, he served as mayor of Tirana and minister of culture before taking office in 2013.
His key pledge is to secure EU membership by 2030.
鈥楲et鈥檚 wait for the people to speak,鈥� said Rama after casting his vote, speaking to journalists.
Albanians should 鈥榲ote for the future of their children in this country,鈥� said Berisha as he left the polling booth.
Opponents regularly accuse Rama of ties to organised crime. He denies the charge, declaring he would 鈥榳ithdraw from political life if anyone proves links to corruption or criminal groups鈥�.
The 80-year-old right winger Berisha was Albania's first post-communist president. His Democratic Party of Albania has joined with around 20 other parties, hoping to remove Rama from office.
Echoing US President Donald Trump, Berisha has promised a 鈥榞reat Albania鈥� centred on economic recovery. His campaign is being advised by the US Republican consultant Chris LaCivita.
Declared 鈥榩ersona non grata鈥� by the United States and Britain for his alleged ties to organised crime and corruption, Berisha is under judicial investigation in Albania for 鈥榩assive corruption by a high-ranking official鈥�.
The leading parties have campaigned mainly on economic issues: pensions, wages, infrastructure and tourism.
Another change in this election: civil servants and public justice agents will join the Central Election Commission (CEC) for the first time.
The Albanian judiciary has also been active during the campaign, launching several investigations that could affect the results.
The Special Prosecutor's Office Against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) revealed that 33 former high-ranking officials, including former ministers, MPs, and local officials, were under investigation in 2024.
More than 20 officials, including former president Ilir Meta, a candidate from the 鈥楪reat Albania鈥� alliance, and the mayor of Tirana, a former ally of Rama, are awaiting the results in prison.
The battle against organised crime and corruption is a key requirement for Albania鈥檚 EU integration.
To win power for the next four years, a party or coalition must secure a majority of the 140 seats in the Albanian parliament.
Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, election results have routinely been contested by the losing side, often leading to fraud allegations.
According to the CEC, preliminary results are expected within two days of the vote, just ahead of a summit in Albania of leaders from the European Union and other European countries to discuss security and economic growth.
Around 5,220 polling stations are scheduled to close at 7:00 pm (1700 GMT).
