Albanians headed to the polls on Sunday for parliamentary elections in which Prime Minister Edi Rama is seeking an unprecedented fourth term, following a campaign shaped by pledges to join the European Union and accusations of deep-rooted corruption.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and will close at 7 p.m., with exit polls to be released shortly after voting ends. Official results are expected on Monday.
Rama, leader of the ruling Socialist Party since 2013, remains the frontrunner in the race against long-time rival and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party. His chances are buoyed by over a decade in power, a strong international reputation, and recent economic expansion. However, his tenure has not been without controversy, as critics point to increasing authoritarianism and corruption scandals, including the arrest earlier this year of Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj—a close ally of Rama—on charges of corruption and money laundering. Both Veliaj and Berisha deny the allegations.
Throughout the final days of the campaign, Rama has focused on Albania’s ambition to join the European Union by 2030, despite scepticism from analysts who argue that significant reforms, particularly in tackling corruption, will be required before accession is possible.
“Today the Albanian people will decide to push very strongly forward and to give us all the strength we need to make Albania the next European member state,” Rama stated after casting his vote.
Berisha, who also supports EU integration, has vowed to root out corruption and raise wages. “It’s going to be a new summer day for Albanians,” he said. “Vote, vote, vote.”
Opinion polls suggest that Rama could secure up to 50% of the vote, with Berisha trailing at around 35%. To maintain his slim majority in the 140-seat parliament, Rama may require support from smaller parties.
Younger voters, however, have expressed growing disillusionment with both men, citing their long dominance of Albanian politics since the fall of communism in 1990. Many feel their country is still plagued by severe income inequality, symbolised by luxury vehicles in Tirana juxtaposed with residents living in outdated Soviet-era blocks.
“I will vote for new politicians because those like Rama and Berisha have been here for three decades and they only replace themselves,” said Arber Qazimi, 21.
Despite criticisms, Rama’s economic record is seen as a strength. According to the World Bank, Albania posted growth rates exceeding 4% annually from 2022 to 2024, outperforming several Balkan neighbours, largely due to increased trade with the EU and a surge in tourism.