For the first time in Albania’s history, voter registration from abroad has exceeded all expectations, reaching double the initially projected figures. This development has prompted the Central Election Commission (KQZ) to request additional funding from the Albanian government to cover postal service costs for distributing ballots.
As of now, 51 political entities have registered for the upcoming general elections scheduled for May 11. These entities have a 10-day deadline to submit their candidate lists for parliamentary seats. The State Election Commissioner, Ilirjan Celibashi, has appealed to political parties for their understanding as KQZ assists in the re-application process for 42,000 Albanians whose initial requests to vote were rejected. According to reports from Voice of America, relayed by albinfo.ch, this process is crucial to ensuring broader voter participation.
A Surge in Diaspora Participation
With only one day remaining before the deadline for diaspora voting applications, the number of rejections due to missing documentation stands at one-fifth of the accepted applications. Despite these rejections, the number of approved requests has already surpassed the most optimistic early projections, necessitating a doubling of the budget to ensure ballots are sent to all registered voters abroad. Authorities expect this budget adjustment to be finalized within the week.
“There is no hesitation from the Ministry of Finance or the government in supporting the Central Election Commission in this regard. We anticipate that the final budget will take into account the estimated 250,000 registered diaspora voters,” stated Commissioner Celibashi.
Since the registration process began on January 11, over 273,000 applications have been received, with more than 220,000 approved and 42,000 rejected. On March 9, KQZ is set to publish the final list of eligible voters from abroad. Celibashi has urged political parties to cooperate in minimizing rejections by assisting citizens with the re-application process.
“If we manage to process these 42,000 rejected applications, provided they reapply individually, as we have been facilitating in recent days, it will be beneficial. However, this requires consensus from political forces, especially from the two main parties,” Celibashi emphasized.
Potential Impact of Diaspora Votes on Election Results
Despite limited implementation of electronic voting and counting—restricted to two study centers in Tirana’s Unit 10 and the Municipality of Vora—diaspora votes are expected to significantly influence the outcome. Celibashi estimates that up to one-fifth of the parliamentary mandates could be affected by the votes cast from abroad.
“The number of diaspora voters is substantial, and mathematically, their impact could extend to 23-25 parliamentary seats,” he explained.
Internationally recognized postal service providers with local branches in Albania will be invited to submit proposals for handling the delivery of ballots, as Albanian Post has been legally excluded from these procedures. The selected operators will be required to ensure ballots reach voters swiftly and personally at the lowest possible cost.
Political Parties Mobilizing Support
Meanwhile, major political parties have intensified their campaign efforts, holding rallies both within Albania and abroad. These elections will determine whether the Socialist Party secures a fourth consecutive term in government or if the Democratic Party manages to achieve a long-awaited political rotation after more than a decade in opposition.