May 11 elections, OSCE/ODIHR report: Not all recommendations have been respected

ODIHR has published its interim report on the parliamentary elections of 11 May 2025. The report emphasizes that the parliamentary elections of 11 May 2025 mark a key moment for Albania, not only due to significant changes in the electoral system and the introduction of out-of-country voting for the first time, but also due to the tense political context and ongoing challenges on the path towards the European Union.

The interim report of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission highlights progress, but also outstanding issues related to the credibility of the electoral process, gender representation, electoral campaigning, party financing and media freedom. The report covers the period 1 – 21 April 2025.

Excerpt from the report:

“ The 2025 parliamentary elections take place against the backdrop of changes to the electoral system and the introduction of external voting for the first time, which gives these elections a special importance for the country. They are considered a further test for the development of Albania’s democratic processes and institutions, especially in the context of EU accession negotiations. The political environment is characterized by a high degree of polarization and distrust between the two main parties.

Changes to the legal framework in 2024 and 2025 modified the electoral system and introduced out-of-country voting, however, a comprehensive review of the legal framework has not been undertaken. Under the new system, each electoral entity presents closed and preferential lists.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) is responsible for administering the process and has so far respected the legal deadlines, including preparations for the external voting that will be carried out by mail. The CEC has conducted information campaigns for citizens inside and outside the country, including minorities and people with disabilities.

About 3.7 million voters are registered for these elections, including about 246,000 voting from abroad. To ensure inclusion, the CEC extended the validity of expired identity documents.

There are 11 electoral entities in the race – 8 political parties and 3 coalitions – with a total of 2,046 candidates. The Electoral Code includes a gender quota, where one in three candidates on the lists must be of the underrepresented gender.

Women represent 38.47% of candidates, but remain underrepresented in the Assembly (36%). The female gender constitutes only 3 out of 12 members of the CEC. Gender stereotyping and discriminatory rhetoric continue to be major obstacles.

The election campaign, which officially began on April 11, has been muted, with harsh tones and personal attacks between leaders. The CEC has received complaints about violations of campaign rules and is monitoring the online activities of 50 public institutions.

The campaign is financed by public and private funds. There have been no major changes in the regulations on electoral financing since the last elections.

Freedom of expression is protected by law, but defamation remains criminalized and journalists face lawsuits. Media outlets face problems of independence due to concentrated ownership and dependence on public tenders.

The appeals process is led by the Appeals and Sanctions Commission (ASC), with final appeal to the Electoral College of the Tirana Court of Appeal. SPAK has established a task force for electoral crimes.

The Constitution guarantees rights for minorities and campaigning in their languages ​​is permitted. The CEC has undertaken outreach initiatives to encourage the participation of underrepresented groups.

The Electoral Code provides for citizen and international observation. As of April 11, 26 national and 10 international organizations have been accredited. Albanian NGOs warn that lack of funding could limit election day observation.

 

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