Sunday, October 15, 2023 marked an important test, as Albania’s citizens went to the polls in a contentious national election. Incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama was seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office. The elections are shaping up to be largely a referendum on the growing voter discontent. He sees a real anger from young people, especially at the political establishment that has been in control for so long. Almost 3.7 million Albanians were eligible to vote, including hundreds of thousands who reside outside the country. This was a watershed moment in the nation’s political history.
Edi Rama’s administration has come under heavy fire in recent months amid allegations of corruption and money laundering. This scrutiny intensified with the recent arrest of Erion Veliaj, Tirana’s mayor and a close ally of Rama, further complicating the political climate. Former president and prime minister Sali Berisha heads the rightwing Democratic Party. He raises the most serious challenge of all to Rama. To highlight how contested this contest is, consider that both leaders have been dominant figures in Albanian politics since the fall of communism in 1990.
Allegations of Corruption
Rama’s government has been accused of eroding democratic checks on power and state capture. These claims have helped to stoke skepticism among the voting public. As voters prepare to go to the polls, many of them say it’s time for something different.
Sali Berisha has considerable baggage. He has a personal ban from entering either the United States or United Kingdom for corruption. He seems to deny these accusations with vigor. This unforgivable ban looms over his campaign as he tries to regain the crown and mount a principled challenge to Rama’s administration.
“I will vote for new politicians because those like Rama and Berisha have been here for three decades and they only replace themselves.”
For the first time, members of the Albanian diaspora will be able to vote via mail-in ballots. This new option will have a big impact on the election’s outcome. Over the last ten years, an estimated one million Albanians have left their home country. Their deep participation in this election indicates a counter-intuitive and dramatic shift towards voter engagement.
Diaspora Participation
This growing disillusionment among younger voters could prove to be a key factor in determining Albania’s future political landscape.
No matter what challenges his administration is currently facing, Edi Rama is nothing but optimistic. He has courageously taken on the role of chief architect of Albania’s future within the European Union. He pledged that Albania will join as a member by 2030.
“I am only thinking how to go out of the country to study and then stay there and never come back.”
The results of this crucial election will be published by Tuesday, according to Ilirjan Celibashi, head of the Election Commission. Albania now stands at a major crossroads. The choice voters have now is whether to continue with their leaders’ disastrous trajectory, or chart a new course towards a brighter future.
Future Aspirations
Despite the challenges facing his administration, Edi Rama maintains a forward-looking approach. He has positioned himself as the architect of Albania’s European Union future, promising that Albania will join the EU by 2030.
Rama remains confident about his re-election:
“We will get our fourth mandate, and we will not lose a single day for Albania 2030 in the EU.”
The results of this crucial election will be published by Tuesday, according to Ilirjan Celibashi, head of the Election Commission. As Albania stands at a crossroads, voters must decide whether to continue with established leadership or seek new directions for their future.
