Albania is set to hold its parliamentary elections on May 11, with a significant number of diaspora voters registering to participate. According to the latest data, 200,117 Albanians living abroad have successfully registered to vote, while the registration deadline remains open until March 4.
The highest demand for voter registration has come from countries with large Albanian communities, including Italy, Germany, Greece, and the United States. So far, a total of 247,636 people have submitted applications for registration, but 41,138 have had their requests denied due to failing to meet the required criteria. However, Albania’s Chief Commissioner of Elections, Ilirjan Celibashi, has reassured applicants that there will be no penalties for those whose applications are rejected. They are allowed to reapply as many times as necessary until the deadline.
In a significant move to facilitate voting for the Albanian diaspora, the Parliament of Albania recently approved changes to the Normative Act, despite opposition boycotting the decision. These amendments allow emigrants with expired documents to participate in the elections. According to the new regulations, the validity of expired identification documents for emigrants has been extended until May 31, 2025.
This development is seen as an effort to encourage greater voter participation among the Albanian diaspora, which has long sought more inclusive electoral policies. With the registration deadline approaching, authorities continue to call on all eligible citizens abroad to ensure they complete their voter registration in time to have their say in the upcoming elections.