Elections 2025: Law for one party, tolerance for the other

From Politiko.al

The 2025 elections have produced not only races for mandates, but also episodes that challenge the notion of equality before the law.

Today, the Tirana Prosecution Office has initiated criminal proceedings against Flamur Noka, Secretary General of the Democratic Party, for the criminal offense of "threat or violence against election participants".

 The proceedings came after reports from two citizens, who claim they were prevented from voting in the Vora area.

But this event has sparked strong reactions, as no action has been taken by the justice system in similar cases – in some cases documented on video – where people associated with the Socialist Party have been seen standing at the entrance to polling stations, often exerting pressure on voters.

In some cases, these individuals have even been publicly treated by representatives of the prosecution institution as "ordinary citizens."

This double standard raises serious questions about institutional independence and impartiality at a critical moment for domestic democracy.

 While political parties accuse each other of attempts to intimidate or manipulate the process, citizens are left facing a mirror where the rules of the game seem to change depending on political color.

The voting center at the "Luan Hajdaraga" school in Qesaraka is filled with patronage activists, who have taken up residence inside the school premises, intimidating voters.

They are school and kindergarten directors who are reported to be staying in the premises of the adjacent bar and occasionally entering the polling station, exerting direct pressure on voters, the Democratic Party states in its denunciation.

An incident was recorded today during the voting process at VC 1122 in the Maqellarë Administrative Unit, Dibër.

According to A2 CNN, a verbal clash occurred between representatives of the Socialist Party that later degenerated into physical violence.

According to sources at the scene, Socialist Party candidate Danjel Gjura is said to have punched Florian Lazri, a water utility employee, during a debate that is believed to have taken place regarding electoral activities and influence over voters. Lazri is said to have been supporting candidate Agron Malaj.

The candidate for deputy of the Democratic Party of Albania in Saranca, Ina Zhupa, has denounced relatives of the socialist candidate, Vasil Llajo, for intimidating citizens. Zhupa has shared on Facebook a photo of Dhimitër Llajo, who has taken out the ballot paper outside the polling station and is instructing citizens on how to vote.

The opposition has denounced Gjirokastër ISSSH employee Ilir Ruka, for allegedly guiding 10 people to the ballot box to vote for the Socialist Party.

This action is a flagrant violation of the law and could negatively impact the integrity of the electoral process.

Also, the brother of the SP candidate in Elbasan, Ervina Meta, Bledar Ferhati, who intimidates voters and commissioners by staying for hours at polling station no. 25/87 in Belsh, reports Syri TV.

In a tense political climate, such actions not only affect public perception of secrecy, but also the credibility of the electoral process itself.