President Bajram Begaj has officially decreed May 11, 2025, as the date for Albania's next general parliamentary elections.
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| The President of Albania Bajram Begaj making a public statement in the Presidency |
Rationale Behind the Date Selection
The Central Election Commission (KQZ) emphasized the need for sufficient time to prepare both the legal and logistical frameworks to facilitate a smooth electoral process, particularly for enabling voting by Albanians living abroad. This aligns with the country’s democratic priorities to include the diaspora in national decision-making.
The President expressed confidence that the major challenge of these elections—ensuring successful and inclusive voting from abroad—can be met with cooperation from all political forces.
Political Context
The decision to schedule the elections for May 11 followed consultations with various political stakeholders, including concerns raised by the Democratic Party and other parliamentary factions. They noted potential bias due to the planned European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Tirana on May 8–9, which they argued could give the ruling government an undue advantage during the final stages of the campaign.
After receiving assurances from both domestic and international authorities that the summit would occur after the elections, President Begaj finalized May 11 as a consensus date acceptable to all political parties.
Election Timeline
The President had a choice of four Sundays between April 15 and May 15, 2025. The final date aims to strike a balance between logistical preparation and maintaining fairness in the electoral process.
These elections are expected to mark a significant step forward in Albania’s democratic development, with the inclusion of overseas voters serving as a pivotal milestone.