Albania
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Article 21, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: Ndalohet ndihma financiare dhe materiale nga qeveri dhe nga ente publike ose private të huaja, si dhe nga ente vendase publike ose me pjesëmarrje të kapitalit shtetëror. Article 92/1, point 1, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Subjektet zgjedhore dhe kandidatët e tyre mund të marrin fonde për qëllime të fushatës së tyre zgjedhore vetëm nga persona fizikë ose juridikë vendas. Për qëllim të këtij ligji, konsiderohet person fizik vendas edhe shtetasi shqiptar me banim jashtë territorit të Republikës së Shqipërisë. |
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Electoral Code allows donations to candidates' to fund their electoral campaigns only from domestic natural or legal persons. This includes Albanian citizens living abroad. Source
Source: Article 92/1, point 1, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025, ALB: 1. Subjektet zgjedhore dhe kandidatët e tyre mund të marrin fonde për qëllime të fushatës së tyre zgjedhore vetëm nga persona fizikë ose juridikë vendas. Për qëllim të këtij ligji, konsiderohet person fizik vendas edhe shtetasi shqiptar me banim jashtë territorit të Republikës së Shqipërisë. ENG: 1. Electoral subjects and their candidates may receive funds for the purposes of their electoral campaigns only from domestic natural or legal persons. For the purposes of this law, an Albanian citizen who resides outside the territory of the Republic of Albania shall also be considered a domestic natural person. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025 https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
Neither the Electoral Code, nor the Law on Political Parties bans corporations from donating to political parties. Source
Source: Article 17, Law on Political Parties, 2000 ALB: Burimet financiare dhe materiale të partive politike përbëhen nga kuotat e anëtarësisë, nga fondet https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: The financial sources and materials of the political parties consist of membership fees, public funds including the financial assistance in the amount set in the State Budget, approved by law by the Assembly, non-public funds, which are financial donations, in-kind donations, services, sponsorships, loans or guarantees, as well as any other financial transaction https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017). Source: Article 86, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Burimet e financimit të fushatës për subjektet zgjedhore janë: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Sources of campaign funding for electoral subjects shall include: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
Neither the Electoral Code, nor the Law on Political Parties bans corporations from donating to candidates. Source
Source: Article 86, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Burimet e financimit të fushatës për subjektet zgjedhore janë: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Sources of campaign funding for electoral subjects shall include: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
No
Source
Source: Article 92/1, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 3. Ndalohet dhënia e fondeve nga një person juridik apo çdo aksionar i tij nëse ndodhet në një nga kushtet e mëposhtme: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 3. Donation of funds by a legal person or any of its shareholders is prohibited if one of the following conditions apply: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020 amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
No
Source
Source: Article 92/1, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 3. Ndalohet dhënia e fondeve nga një person juridik apo çdo aksionar i tij nëse ndodhet në një nga kushtet e mëposhtme: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 3. Donation of funds by a legal person or any of its shareholders is prohibited if one of the following conditions apply: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020) amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 92/2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Çdo subjekt zgjedhor duhet të regjistrojë në një regjistër të posaçëm, miratuar si model me vendim të KQZ-së, shumën e fondeve të përfituara për çdo person fizik ose juridik, si dhe të dhëna të tjera që lidhen me identifikimin e qartë të dhuruesit, huadhënësit ose kredidhënësit. Në çastin e dhurimit, dhuruesi nënshkruan një deklaratë, ku zotohet se ai nuk ndodhet në një nga rrethanat e përcaktuara në nenin 92/1 të këtij ligji dhe mban përgjegjësi personale për deklarim të rremë. Forma dhe përmbajtja e deklaratës miratohet nga KQZ-ja dhe është e detyrueshme për t’u nënshkruar në çdo rast dhurimi. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 1. Every electoral subject must record in a designated register, whose template is approved by a CEC decision, the amount of funds benefited by every natural or legal person and other data related to the clear identification of the donor, lender, or creditor. Upon donation, the donor shall sign a declaration stating they are not in any of the circumstances provided for in Article 92/1 of this law and that they hold personal liability for false declaration. The form and content of the declaration shall be approved by the CEC and shall be mandatory to be signed in any case of donation. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 92/2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Çdo subjekt zgjedhor duhet të regjistrojë në një regjistër të posaçëm, miratuar si model me vendim të KQZ-së, shumën e fondeve të përfituara për çdo person fizik ose juridik, si dhe të dhëna të tjera që lidhen me identifikimin e qartë të dhuruesit, huadhënësit ose kredidhënësit. Në çastin e dhurimit, dhuruesi nënshkruan një deklaratë, ku zotohet se ai nuk ndodhet në një nga rrethanat e përcaktuara në nenin 92/1 të këtij ligji dhe mban përgjegjësi personale për deklarim të rremë. Forma dhe përmbajtja e deklaratës miratohet nga KQZ-ja dhe është e detyrueshme për t’u nënshkruar në çdo rast dhurimi. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 1. Every electoral subject must record in a designated register, whose template is approved by a CEC decision, the amount of funds benefited by every natural or legal person and other data related to the clear identification of the donor, lender, or creditor. Upon donation, the donor shall sign a declaration stating they are not in any of the circumstances provided for in Article 92/1 of this law and that they hold personal liability for false declaration. The form and content of the declaration shall be approved by the CEC and shall be mandatory to be signed in any case of donation. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 92/1, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 3. Ndalohet dhënia e fondeve nga një person juridik apo çdo aksionar i tij nëse ndodhet në një nga kushtet e mëposhtme: ENG: 3. Donation of funds by a legal person or any of its shareholders is prohibited if one of the following conditions apply: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 92/1, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 3. Ndalohet dhënia e fondeve nga një person juridik apo çdo aksionar i tij nëse ndodhet në një nga kushtet e mëposhtme: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 3. Donation of funds by a legal person or any of its shareholders is prohibited if one of the following conditions apply: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 21, Law on Political Parties, 2020, ALB: Ndalohet ndihma financiare dhe materiale nga qeveri dhe nga ente publike ose private të huaja, si dhe nga ente vendase publike ose me pjesëmarrje të kapitalit shtetëror. http://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: Financial assistance and materials from foreign governments and foreign public or private entities, as well as from domestic public entities or those with the participation of state capital, are prohibited. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Electoral Code does not explicitly use the wording ‘partial government ownership’, but the ban on legal persons engaged in public contracts or partnerships with public funds effectively covers this scenario for candidates. Source
Source: Article 92/1, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025, ALB: 3. Ndalohet dhënia e fondeve nga një person juridik apo çdo aksionar i tij nëse ndodhet në një nga kushtet e mëposhtme: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 3. Donation of funds by a legal person or any of its shareholders is prohibited if one of the following conditions apply: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 91, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Me përjashtim të rasteve të parashikuara me ligj, nuk mund të përdoren ose të vihen në mbështetje të kandidatëve, të partive politike ose të koalicioneve në zgjedhje burime të organeve apo enteve publike në nivel qendror ose vendor, apo çdo lloj enti tjetër ku shteti zotëron kapitale apo kuota ose/dhe emëron shumicën e organit mbikëqyrës apo organit administrues të entit, pavarësisht nga burimi i kapitalit ose pronësia. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 1. Except when otherwise provided by law, resources of central or local public bodies or entities, or of any other type of entity in which the state holds capital or shares or/and appoints the majority of the supervisory or administrative body of the entity, regardlessof the source of the capital or ownership, may not be used or made available to support candidates, political parties, or coalitions in elections. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020)
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14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
No
Comment
The legal provisions on donation limits stipulated by Article 92/1 of the Electoral Code only apply to election campaigns. There is no limit as to the amount that a donor can contribute to the a party during non-election period. Source
Aource Article 92/1, point 2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 2. Shuma që çdo person fizik ose juridik mund t’i japë një subjekti zgjedhor, përfshirë kandidatët e tij, nuk mund të jetë më e madhe se 1 milion lekë ose kundërvlera në sende ose shërbime. Vlera e shumës sipas fjalisë së parë të kësaj pike, indeksohet nga KQZ-ja çdo pesë vjet sipas normës së inflacionit. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 2. The amount that each natural or legal person may give to an electoral subject, including its candidates, may not be larger than ALL 1 million or the equivalent value in kind or services. The amount in the first sentence shall be indexed by the CEC each five years against the inflation rate. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020) |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
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16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Source
Source: Article 92/1, point 2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 2. Shuma që çdo person fizik ose juridik mund t’i japë një subjekti zgjedhor, përfshirë kandidatët e tij, nuk mund të jetë më e madhe se 1 milion lekë ose kundërvlera në sende ose shërbime. Vlera e shumës sipas fjalisë së parë të kësaj pike, indeksohet nga KQZ-ja çdo pesë vjet sipas normës së inflacionit. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 2. The amount that each natural or legal person may give to an electoral subject, including its candidates, may not be larger than ALL 1 million or the equivalent value in kind or services. The amount in the first sentence shall be indexed by the CEC each five years against the inflation rate. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
1 million Albanian Lek (ALL) Source
Source: Article 92/1, point 2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 2. Shuma që çdo person fizik ose juridik mund t’i japë një subjekti zgjedhor, përfshirë kandidatët e tij, nuk mund të jetë më e madhe se 1 milion lekë ose kundërvlera në sende ose shërbime. Vlera e shumës sipas fjalisë së parë të kësaj pike, indeksohet nga KQZ-ja çdo pesë vjet sipas normës së inflacionit. ENG: 2. The amount that each natural or legal person may give to an electoral subject, including its candidates, may not be larger than ALL 1 million or the equivalent value in kind or services. The amount in the first sentence shall be indexed by the CEC each five years against the inflation rate. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Source
Source: ALB: 2. Shuma që çdo person fizik ose juridik mund t’i japë një subjekti zgjedhor, përfshirë kandidatët e tij, nuk mund të jetë më e madhe se 1 milion lekë ose kundërvlera në sende ose shërbime. Vlera e shumës sipas fjalisë së parë të kësaj pike, indeksohet nga KQZ-ja çdo pesë vjet sipas normës së inflacionit. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 2. The amount that each natural or legal person may give to an electoral subject, including its candidates, may not be larger than ALL 1 million or the equivalent value in kind or services. The amount in the first sentence shall be indexed by the CEC each five years against the inflation rate. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
1 million Albanian Lek (ALL) Source
Source: Article 92/1, point 2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 2. Shuma që çdo person fizik ose juridik mund t’i japë një subjekti zgjedhor, përfshirë kandidatët e tij, nuk mund të jetë më e madhe se 1 milion lekë ose kundërvlera në sende ose shërbime. Vlera e shumës sipas fjalisë së parë të kësaj pike, indeksohet nga KQZ-ja çdo pesë vjet sipas normës së inflacionit. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 2. The amount that each natural or legal person may give to an electoral subject, including its candidates, may not be larger than ALL 1 million or the equivalent value in kind or services. The amount in the first sentence shall be indexed by the CEC each five years against the inflation rate. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
Yes, specific limit for candidates
Comment
3 million Albanian Lek (ALL) Source
Source: Article 92/2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 3/1. Kandidatët e partisë politike ose koalicionit zgjedhor të regjistruar si subjekt zgjedhor kanë të drejtë të vetëfinancojnë fushatën e tyre deri në shumën 3 milionë lekë. Deklarimi i këtij vetëfinancimi paraqitet nga kandidati së bashku me raportin financiar të dorëzuar nga subjekti zgjedhor që i përket, sipas nenit 92/3 të këtij Kodi. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 3/1. Candidates of the political party or electoral coalition first elected as an electoral subject have the right to self-finance their campaign up to the amount of 3 million lek (ALL). The declaration of self-financing is submitted by the candidates together with the financial report submitted by the electoral subject of their choice, according to Article 92/3 of this Code. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The 1 million ALL limit, stipulated by Article 92/1 of the Electoral Code, also applies to and includes in-kind donations, based on their assessed value. According to Article 90 of the Electoral Code, the Central Election Commission (CEC) defines the rules and modalities required to calculate the monetary value of in-kind donations or services delivered, according to the market value at the moment of their provision. Source
Source: Article 92/1, point 2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 2. Shuma që çdo person fizik ose juridik mund t’i japë një subjekti zgjedhor, përfshirë kandidatët e tij, nuk mund të jetë më e madhe se 1 milion lekë ose kundërvlera në sende ose shërbime. Vlera e shumës sipas fjalisë së parë të kësaj pike, indeksohet nga KQZ-ja çdo pesë vjet sipas normës së inflacionit. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 2. The amount that each natural or legal person may give to an electoral subject, including its candidates, may not be larger than ALL 1 million or the equivalent value in kind or services. The amount in the first sentence shall be indexed by the CEC each five years against the inflation rate. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The 1 million ALL limit also applies toand includes in-kind donations, based on their assessed value. According to Article 90 of the Electoral Code, the Central Election Commission (CEC) defines the rules and modalities required to calculate Source
Source: Article 92/1, point 2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 2. Shuma që çdo person fizik ose juridik mund t’i japë një subjekti zgjedhor, përfshirë kandidatët e tij, nuk mund të jetë më e madhe se 1 milion lekë ose kundërvlera në sende ose shërbime. Vlera e shumës sipas fjalisë së parë të kësaj pike, indeksohet nga KQZ-ja çdo pesë vjet sipas normës së inflacionit. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 2. The amount that each natural or legal person may give to an electoral subject, including its candidates, may not be larger than ALL 1 million or the equivalent value in kind or services. The amount in the first sentence shall be indexed by the CEC each five years against the inflation rate. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 20, Law on Political Parties, 2020 ALB: Ndalohet krijimi i personave juridikë tregtarë e jotregtarë, që ushtrojnë veprimtari me qëllim fitimi, nga partitë politike apo nëpërmjet të tretëve. Partitë politike mund t’i përdorin pasuritë e mjediset e tyre për veprimtari ekonomiko shoqërore të karakterit të botimeve, shtypshkrimeve, shërbimeve apo dhënies me qera, sipas legjislacionit në fuqi. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: The creation by political parties of commercial and non-commercial legal persons that exercise activity with the purpose of profit is prohibited. Political parties may use their property and premises for economic-social activity of the nature of publications, printing presses, services or leasing, according to the legislation in force. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
Loans are one of the allowed sources of campaing financing, according to Article 86 of the Electoral Code. However, the loan can not be more than 1 million Albanian lek (ALL). Source
Source: Article 86, point ç), Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Burimet e financimit të fushatës për subjektet zgjedhore janë: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Sources of campaign funding for electoral subjects shall include: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
Loans are one of the allowed sources of campaing financing for electoral subjects, including candidates in elections. However, the loan can not be more than 1 million Albanian lek (ALL). Source
Source: Article 86, point ç), Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Burimet e financimit të fushatës për subjektet zgjedhore janë: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Sources of campaign funding for electoral subjects shall include: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
Yes
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27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
Donations above the amount of 50 000 Albanian lek (ALL) must be made through the bank account that the electoral subject has declared upon its registration as a contender in elections at the Central Election Commission. In any case, if the electoral subject receives or decides to accept smaller-value donations via bank transfer, they must still be made only through the declared bank account. Source
Source: Article 92/2, point 2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 2. Dhurimi i fondeve jopublike me vlerë më të madhe se 50 mijë lekë duhet të bëhet vetëm në llogari të posaçme të hapura në banka nga subjekti zgjedhor. Llogaritë deklarohen në momentin e regjistrimit sipas nenit 64 të këtij ligji. Në formularin e deklarimit përfshihet edhe autorizimi për KQZnë dhe të ngarkuarit e saj për të marrë drejtpërdrejt nga banka të dhëna për të gjitha transaksionet e llogarisë. Subjekti zgjedhor nuk mund të përdorë asnjë llogari tjetër bankare, përveç atyre të deklaruara, për pranimin e dhurimeve për fushatën zgjedhore, qoftë edhe për shuma më të vogla se 50 mijë lekë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 2. Donation of non-public funds over 50 thousand ALL must be made only in a designated bank account opened by the electoral subject. The accounts shall be declared upon registration under Article 64 of this law. The declaration form shall also include the authorisation for CEC and its assignees to obtain data on all account transactions directly from the bank. Electoral subjects may not use any other bank account, except for the declared ones, to receive donations for the electoral campaign, even for amounts smaller than 50 thousand ALL. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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| Question | Value |
|---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, both regularly and in relation to campaigns
Comment
Both the Law on Political Parties (Art. 17) and the Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania (Art. 86) identify public funds from the state budget as a source of party financing. The Law on Political Parties governs the allocation of annual financial aid to political parties, whereas the Electoral Code regulates the distribution of funds for campaign purposes during election years. Source
Source: Article 19, Law on Political Parties, 2000 ALB: 1. Çdo vit në Buxhetin e Shtetit përcaktohet një fond që shërben si ndihmë financiare publike për https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 1. A fund which shall serve as public financial aid for the annual activities of political parties shall be allocated each year in the State Budget. The financial aid foreseen in the state budget during non-electoral years, as a rule, shall not be less than the aid foreseen in the preceding year. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) Source: Article 88, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Partitë politike pjesëmarrëse në zgjedhje dhe që kanë marrë jo më pak se 1 për qind të votave në shkallë vendi në zgjedhjet më të afërta pararendëse të të njëjtit lloj, përfitojnë fonde nga Buxheti i Shtetit, në bazë të numrit të votave që secila parti ka marrë në ato zgjedhje. Fondi për këtë qëllim përcaktohet me vendim të Kuvendit dhe përbën zë më vete në Buxhetin e Shtetit për vitin zgjedhor përkatës. Ky fond nuk mund të jetë më pak sesa totali i shumave të shpërndara partive politike në zgjedhjet pararendëse. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 1. Political parties participating in elections, which obtained not less than 1% of votes at a national level in the last elections of the same type, shall benefit State budget funds based on the number of votes that each party received in those elections. Funds for this purpose shall be defined in an Assembly decision and comprise a separate budget item in the State Budget of the corresponding electoral year. This fund may not be less than the total amounts distributed to political parties in the previous elections. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Comment
According to the Law on Political Parties (Art. 19) and the Electoral Code (Art. 88), political parties must meet specific conditions to receive public funding, for example, obtaining at least 1% of valid votes nationwide in the most recent elections. Public funds are then allocated based on objective criteria such as the number of parliamentary seats won, total votes received, or equal distribution among qualifying parties. Source
Source: Article 19, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Çdo vit në Buxhetin e Shtetit përcaktohet një fond që shërben si ndihmë financiare publike për kryerjen e veprimtarisë vjetore të partive politike. Ndihma financiare e parashikuar në Buxhetin e Shtetit në vitet jozgjedhore, si rregull, nuk mund të jetë më e vogël se ndihma e parashikuar në vitin paraardhës. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: Article 19 https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) Source: Article 88, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Fondet nga Buxheti i Shtetit për financimin e partive pjesëmarrëse në zgjedhje https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: State budget funds to finance parties running in elections https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Proportional to votes received
Proportional to seats received
Share of expenses reimbursed
Comment
Political parties receive two types of state funding: Source
Source: Article 19, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Çdo vit në Buxhetin e Shtetit përcaktohet një fond që shërben si ndihmë financiare publike për kryerjen e veprimtarisë vjetore të partive politike. Ndihma financiare e parashikuar në Buxhetin e Shtetit në vitet jozgjedhore, si rregull, nuk mund të jetë më e vogël se ndihma e parashikuar në vitin paraardhës. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 1. A fund which shall serve as public financial aid for the annual activities of political parties shall be allocated each year in the State Budget. The financial aid foreseen in the state budget during non-electoral years, as a rule, shall not be less than the aid foreseen in the preceding year. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) Source: Article 88, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Fondet nga Buxheti i Shtetit për financimin e partive pjesëmarrëse në zgjedhje https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: State budget funds to finance parties running in elections https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 89, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Kompensimi financiar paszgjedhor Subjekteve zgjedhore pjesëmarrëse në zgjedhje, të cilat nuk kanë përfituar nga shpërndarja e fondeve sipas nenit 88 të këtij ligji, kur marrin jo më pak se 1 për qind të votave të vlefshme në shkallë vendi, KQZ-ja, jo më vonë se 30 ditë nga data e shpalljes së rezultatit përfundimtar të zgjedhjeve, iu kompenson fondet me shumën që rezulton nga shumëzimi i votave të vlefshme të marra prej tyre me vlerën e votës së përcaktuar në pikën 2 të nenit 88 të këtij ligji. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Post-election financial compensation https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
Campaign spending
Comment
Funds distributed under Article 88 of the Electoral Code must be used for campaign purposes, with their use monitored by the Central Election Commission and subject to the restrictions established in the Electoral Code. Source
Source: Article 88, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 6. Fondi i përcaktuar për t’u shpërndarë sipas këtij neni i jepet secilës parti jo më vonë se 5 ditë nga regjistrimi i listave shumemërore ose kandidatëve për kryetar të njësive të qeverisjes vendore të parties përkatëse. Partia politike që përfiton fonde nga Buxheti i Shtetit dhe KQZ-ja, para shpërndarjes së fondit, nënshkruajnë aktmarrëveshje, në të cilën përcaktohet se partia politike pranon fondin e dhënë, se do ta përdorë atë në zbatim të të gjitha kushteve dhe detyrimeve të përcaktuara në këtë ligj, pranon monitorimin e shpenzimit të tyre prej subjektit dhe kandidatëve të tij, si dhe do të respektojë të gjitha ndalimet që përcaktohen në këtë ligj për ta. KQZ-ja përcakton me akt nënligjor modalitetet e tjera të aktmarrëveshjes që nënshkruhet mes palëve. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 6. The fund earmarked to be distributed under this Article shall be given to each party no later than 5 days from the registration of the multi-name lists or candidates for mayor of local government units of the relevant party. Political parties that benefit funds from the State Budget and CEC, prior to the distribution of the fund, shall sign an agreement in which the political parties acknowledge to accept the fund, use it in compliance with all conditions and obligations laid down in this law, accept monitoring of expenditures conducted by the subject and its candidates, as well as respect all relevant prohibitions laid down in this law. By secondary legislation, the CEC shall determine other modalities of the agreement signed between the parties. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 22, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: Shteti lehtëson veprimtarinë e partive politike. Lehtësimi nga shteti i veprimtarisë së partive politike përfshin fushat si vijon: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: The state facilitates the activity of political parties. The facilitation by the state of the activity of political parties includes the following fields: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017)
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33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Comment
Parliamentary parties are allocated time in public television and radio according to the share of seats they have won in parliament in the last elections. Political parties running in elections, which are not represented in parliament, are allocated 10 minutes in public television and 10 minutes in public radio. Source
Source: Article 80, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Gjatë fushatës zgjedhore, radiotelevizioni publik vë minutazh falas në dispozicion të partive politike të regjistruara dhe të KQZ-së për të bërë fushatë, e cila ndahet sipas rregullave të mëposhtme: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 1. During electoral campaign, the public radio and television shall provide registered political parties and the CEC with free airtime for campaigning, which shall be allocated in accordance with the following rules: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The law does not provide free or subsidized media access for individual candidates, but only for political parties registered with the Central Election Commission as electoral candidates and only through the public broadcaster (Article 80 of the Electoral Code). Media exposure of candidates is generally controlled by political parties running for elections, which decide how to distribute airtime among their candidates. The only exception applies to candidates proposed by voters (independent candidates): private radio and TV stations must offer them up to 10 minutes of additional advertising time for the entire campaign, at the same rates and under the same criteria for free airtime that apply to parliamentary parties (Article 84, point 6, Electoral Code). Source
Source: Article 84, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 9. Për partitë joparlamentare dhe për kandidatët e propozuar nga zgjedhësit, radiot dhe televizionet private vënë në dispozicion kohë transmetimi shtesë për reklamat mbi kohën që zbatohet, sipas pikës 5 të këtij neni. Koha e transmetimit të reklamave për secilën parti joparlamentare dhe kandidatët e propozuar nga zgjedhësit nuk mund të jetë më e madhe se 10 minuta për gjithë fushatën zgjedhore. Për partitë joparlamentare dhe kandidatët e propozuar nga zgjedhësit zbatohen tarifa të njëjta me ato që zbatohen për partitë parlamentare, si dhe kritere të njëjta për kohën falas, sipas pikës 6 të këtij neni. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 9. Private radio and television broadcasters shall provide extra airtime for the advertisements of non-parliamentary parties and candidates proposed by the voters, in addition to the airtime applied in accordance with point 5 of this Article. The airtime for the advertisements of each non-parliamentary party and candidates proposed by voters shall not exceed 10 minutes for the entire electoral campaign. For non-parliamentary parties and candidates proposed by the voters, the same rates as for parliamentary parties, as well as the same criteria for the free of charge airtime, in accordance with point 6 of this Article, shall apply. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Law on Political Parties (Articles 22 and 22/1) regulates the procedures by which political parties may be granted the use of public property for their headquarters and local offices, which may be considered a form of indirect public funding. Source
Source: Article 22, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: Shteti lehtëson veprimtarinë e partive politike. Lehtësimi nga shteti i veprimtarisë së partive https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: The state facilitates the activity of political parties. The facilitation by the state of the (updated until 2017) |
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
Direct public funding is neither conditioned on gender-equality requirements nor earmarked for women candidates or for women’s wings within political parties. |
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
Public funding is not conditional on gender-equality requirements, and there are no financial advantages tied to gender equality. However, if a party fails to comply with the gender quota, its multi-name candidate list can be rejected, and the Central Election Commission (CEC) may refuse to register the party for the elections. Source
Source: Article 175, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Sanksioni për mosrespektim të barazisë gjinore https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Sanctions for failure to respect gender equality https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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| Question | Value |
|---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Vote buying is a criminal offence under the Albanian Criminal Code and falls under the jurisdiction of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) for prosecution. Source
Source: Article 328, Criminal Code of the Republic of Albania, 2024 ALB: Ofrimi ose dhënia e të hollave, të mirave materiale, premtimi për vend pune ose favorizime të tjera në cilëndo formë, për zgjedhësin ose persona të tjerë të lidhur me të, me qëllim marrjen e firmës për paraqitjen e një kandidati në zgjedhje, për të votuar në një mënyrë të caktuar, për të marrë pjesë ose jo në votime, ose për t’u angazhuar në veprimtari të paligjshme për mbështetjen e një kandidati ose partie politike, përbën vepër penale dhe dënohet me burgim nga një vit deri në pesë vjet. https://qbz.gov.al/preview/a2b117e6-69b2-4355-aa49-78967c31bf4d ENG: Offering or giving money or material goods, making promises for employment or other favours in any form, in contradiction with the law, for the voter or other persons in order to get signatures to field a candidate in elections, to vote in a certain way, to participate or not to participate in voting, or to get engaged into an illegal activity to support a candidate or political party, constitutes a criminal offence and is punishable by imprisonment of one year up to five years. https://euralius.eu/index.php/en/library/albanian-legislation?task=download.send&id=11&catid=10&m=0 (updated until 2017) |
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
For the purposes of its election campaing, a political party running in elections can not spend more than 5 times the highest amount that an electoral subject has received from public funds (amendment of 2025). Source
Source: Article 92/2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 4. Shuma e shpenzimeve të bëra nga një subjekt zgjedhor, pa përfshirë kandidatët e tij, për fushatën zgjedhore, nuk duhet të jetë më shumë se 5 herë më e madhe se shuma më e lartë që ka marrë një subjekt zgjedhor nga fondet publike për qëllime zgjedhore, në përputhje me nenin 88 të këtij Kodi. Çdo shpenzim i fushatës zgjedhore dokumentohet dhe zbatohet në përputhje me legjislacionin fiskal në fuqi. Në zbatim të këtij ligji “shpenzim fushate” është çdo shpenzim që bën një parti ose kandidatët e saj për qëllime të fushatës zgjedhore, pavarësisht datës se kur është bërë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 4. The total expenditures made by an electoral subject, excluding its candidates, for an electoral campaign must not exceed 5 times the highest amount that an electoral subject has received from public funds for electoral purposes, in accordance with Article 88 of this Law. Any electoral campaign expenditure shall be documented and implemented in compliance with the effective fiscal legislation. For the purpose of this Law, “campaign expenditure” shall mean any expenditure made by a party or its candidates for electoral campaign purposes, regardless of the date it is made. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
The limit is 5 times the highest amount that an electoral subject has received from public funds for electoral purposes (amendment of 2025). This can change from one electoral cycle to the other. Source
Source: Article 92/2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 4. Shuma e shpenzimeve të bëra nga një subjekt zgjedhor, pa përfshirë kandidatët e tij, për fushatën zgjedhore, nuk duhet të jetë më shumë se 5 herë më e madhe se shuma më e lartë që ka marrë një subjekt zgjedhor nga fondet publike për qëllime zgjedhore, në përputhje me nenin 88 të këtij Kodi. Çdo shpenzim i fushatës zgjedhore dokumentohet dhe zbatohet në përputhje me legjislacionin fiskal në fuqi. Në zbatim të këtij ligji “shpenzim fushate” është çdo shpenzim që bën një parti ose kandidatët e saj për qëllime të fushatës zgjedhore, pavarësisht datës se kur është bërë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 4. The total expenditures made by an electoral subject, excluding its candidates, for an electoral campaign must not exceed 5 times the highest amount that an electoral subject has received from public funds for electoral purposes, in accordance with Article 88 of this Law. Any electoral campaign expenditure shall be documented and implemented in compliance with the effective fiscal legislation. For the purpose of this Law, “campaign expenditure” shall mean any expenditure made by a party or its candidates for electoral campaign purposes, regardless of the date it is made. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
No
Comment
A 2025 amendment to thearticle 92/2 of the Electoral Code excluded candidate spending from the limit of the amount that a political party can spend. Currently, this limit does not apply to candidates. Source
Source: Article 92/2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 4. Shuma e shpenzimeve të bëra nga një subjekt zgjedhor, pa përfshirë kandidatët e tij, për fushatën zgjedhore, nuk duhet të jetë më shumë se 5 herë më e madhe se shuma më e lartë që ka marrë një subjekt zgjedhor nga fondet publike për qëllime zgjedhore, në përputhje me nenin 88 të këtij Kodi. Çdo shpenzim i fushatës zgjedhore dokumentohet dhe zbatohet në përputhje me legjislacionin fiskal në fuqi. Në zbatim të këtij ligji “shpenzim fushate” është çdo shpenzim që bën një parti ose kandidatët e saj për qëllime të fushatës zgjedhore, pavarësisht datës se kur është bërë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 4. The total expenditures made by an electoral subject, excluding its candidates, for an electoral campaign must not exceed 5 times the highest amount that an electoral subject has received from public funds for electoral purposes, in accordance with Article 88 of this Law. Any electoral campaign expenditure shall be documented and implemented in compliance with the effective fiscal legislation. For the purpose of this Law, “campaign expenditure” shall mean any expenditure made by a party or its candidates for electoral campaign purposes, regardless of the date it is made. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
A 2025 amendment to the article 92/2 of the Electoral Code excluded candidate spending from the limit of the amount that a political party can spend. Currently, this limit does not apply to candidates. Source
Source: Article 92/2, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 4. Shuma e shpenzimeve të bëra nga një subjekt zgjedhor, pa përfshirë kandidatët e tij, për fushatën zgjedhore, nuk duhet të jetë më shumë se 5 herë më e madhe se shuma më e lartë që ka marrë një subjekt zgjedhor nga fondet publike për qëllime zgjedhore, në përputhje me nenin 88 të këtij Kodi. Çdo shpenzim i fushatës zgjedhore dokumentohet dhe zbatohet në përputhje me legjislacionin fiskal në fuqi. Në zbatim të këtij ligji “shpenzim fushate” është çdo shpenzim që bën një parti ose kandidatët e saj për qëllime të fushatës zgjedhore, pavarësisht datës se kur është bërë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 4. The total expenditures made by an electoral subject, excluding its candidates, for an electoral campaign must not exceed 5 times the highest amount that an electoral subject has received from public funds for electoral purposes, in accordance with Article 88 of this Law. Any electoral campaign expenditure shall be documented and implemented in compliance with the effective fiscal legislation. For the purpose of this Law, “campaign expenditure” shall mean any expenditure made by a party or its candidates for electoral campaign purposes, regardless of the date it is made. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
No
Comment
Third parties are not regulated in the Albanian legislation. |
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
The spending on traditional media advertising is not subject to limits and it is counted in the total amount of spending that the electoral subject incurs. The Electoral Code only regulates and limits airtime that electoral subjects may use for their campaigns in public and private traditional media, as well as fees of broadcasting in private media (Articles 80, 81, 83, 84 of the Electoral Code). Source
Source: Article 80, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Gjatë fushatës zgjedhore, radiotelevizioni publik vë minutazh falas në dispozicion të partive politike të regjistruara dhe të KQZ-së për të bërë fushatë, e cila ndahet sipas rregullave të mëposhtme: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 1. During electoral campaign, the public radio and television shall provide registered political parties and the CEC with free airtime for campaigning, which shall be allocated in accordance with the following rules: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 83, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Orari i transmetimeve 1. Jo më vonë se 30 ditë para datës së zgjedhjeve, Këshilli Drejtues i Radiotelevizionit Publik, në bazë të të dhënave të paraqitura nga KQZ-ja për partitë e regjistruara, cakton minutazhin në dispozicion të çdo partie dhe organizon, nën mbikëqyrjen e KQZ-së, shortin për caktimin e segmenteve orare për çdo parti të regjistruar. 2. Minutazhi në dispozicion të partive politike caktohet në intervalin kohor nga ora 1800 deri 2200 të çdo dite të fushatës zgjedhore deri 24 orë para fillimit të votimit. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Broadcasting schedule 1. No later than 30 days before the election date, the Steering Council of the Public Radio and Television, based on the information on registered parties provided by the CEC, shall determine the airtime available for each party and, under the supervision of the CEC, shall organise a lottery for the allocation of time slots to each registered party. 2. The airtime provided to political parties shall be allotted between the time interval from 1800 to 2200 each day of the electoral campaign until 24 hours before the beginning of the voting. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 84, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 4. Vetëm subjektet zgjedhore të regjistruara për zgjedhje kanë të drejtë të transmetojnë reklama politike gjatë periudhës zgjedhore në radiot, televizionet apo mediat audiovizive private, qofshin këto numerike, kabllore, analoge, satelitore apo të çdo lloj forme dhe mënyre të transmetimit të sinjalit. Reklamat politike të koalicioneve zgjedhore llogariten brenda kohës së partive politike anëtare të koalicionit, sipas marrëveshjes individuale të secilës parti me operatorin radioteleviziv. Reklama politike duhet të identifikojë qartë subjektin porositës. Në rast se reklama politike nuk është identifikur qartë, KQZ-ja urdhëron pezullimin e menjëhershëm të transmetimit të saj derisa të bëhet identifikimi i kërkuar nga kjo pikë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 4. Only electoral subjects registered for elections shall have the right to broadcast political advertisements during the electoral period on private radio, television, or audiovisual media, be they digital, cable, analogue, satellite or any other form or method of signal broadcast. Political advertisements of electoral coalitions shall be calculated within the airtime of the political parties that are members of the coalition, according to an individual agreement between each party and the radio-television broadcaster. Political advertisement must clearly identify the commissioning entity. In the event the political advertisement is not clearly identified, the CEC shall order the immediate suspension of its broadcast until its identification is made as required by this point. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
Online media advertising is not regulated in the Albanian legislation. However, spending on online media advertising should be reported in the campaign finance reports and is counted in the total amount of spending that the electoral subject incurs. Source
Source: Article 80, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 3. Radiotelevizioni publik transmeton reklama politike pa pagesë, duke llogaritur kohën e transmetimit brenda minutazhit, sipas pikës 1 të këtij neni. Neni 80, Kodi Zgjedhor i Republikës së Shqipërisë, 2025, https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 3. The public radio and television shall broadcast advertisements, calculating the broadcasting time within accordance with point 1 of this Article. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 83, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Orari i transmetimeve 1. Jo më vonë se 30 ditë para datës së zgjedhjeve, Këshilli Drejtues i Radiotelevizionit Publik, në bazë të të dhënave të paraqitura nga KQZ-ja për partitë e regjistruara, cakton minutazhin në dispozicion të çdo partie dhe organizon, nën mbikëqyrjen e KQZ-së, shortin për caktimin e segmenteve orare për çdo parti të regjistruar. 2. Minutazhi në dispozicion të partive politike caktohet në intervalin kohor nga ora 1800 deri 2200 të çdo dite të fushatës zgjedhore deri 24 orë para fillimit të votimit. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Broadcasting schedule 1. No later than 30 days before the election date, the Steering Council of the Public Radio and Television, based on the information on registered parties provided by the CEC, shall determine the airtime available for each party and, under the supervision of the CEC, shall organise a lottery for the allocation of time slots to each registered party. 2. The airtime provided to political parties shall be allotted between the time interval from 1800 to 2200 each day of the electoral campaign until 24 hours before the beginning of the voting. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 84, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Në radiot dhe televizionet private, pasqyrimi i fushatës zgjedhore bëhet vetëm në edicionet e zakonshme dhe të posaçme informative. Radiot dhe televizionet private nuk vënë kohë transmetimi në dispozicion të subjekteve politike për pasqyrimin e fushatës zgjedhore të tyre. Informacionet mbi aktivitete të fushatës zgjedhore, që përgatiten dhe transmetohen në edicionet informative, bazuar në materiale të vëna në dispozicion nga subjektet zgjedhore, duhet të identifikohen qartë, në përputhje me udhëzimet e KQZ-së. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 1. Private radios and televisions shall cover the electoral campaign only during normal and special news broadcasts. Private radios and televisions shall not allocate airtime to political entities for their electoral campaign. Information on electoral campaign activities that are prepared and broadcasted in information programmes, on the grounds of material made available by electoral subjects, must be clearly identified in compliance with CEC instructions. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
No
Comment
Online advertising is not regulated in the Albanian legislation. However, in March 2025, eleven political parties running for the 2025 parliamentary elections signed a voluntary, non-legally binding Code of Conduct on Digital Campaigning. The Code of Conduct on Digital Campaigning (2025) goes beyond financial limits by requiring political actors to keep online campaigning truthful, transparent, and secure. It prohibits misleading or fabricated content (including deepfakes), undisclosed sponsorship, and manipulative amplification; restricts the use of sensitive personal data for micro-targeting; and bans hate speech and incitement to violence. Parties must also meet basic cyber-security standards and promptly remove any violating material, ensuring that online political advertising respects democratic integrity and data-protection rules. |
| Question | Value |
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47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 23, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Partitë politike dorëzojnë raportet financiare një herë në vit pranë Komisionit Qendror të Zgjedhjeve, të cilat duhet të përmbajnë informacion të hollësishëm për: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 1. Political parties shall submit financial reports to the Central Election Commission once per year. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) |
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Within 60 days from the official announcement of the election result by the Central Election Commission (CEC), political parties must submit to the CEC their campaign finance reports. The campaign finance reports are completed and submitted through CEC's online platform for financial reporting. Source
Source: Article 92/3, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Deklarimi dhe publikimi https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Declaration and publication https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Each candidate must submit their financial report to the political party they represented within 30 days after the official announcement of the final election results. Candidate reporting of campaing finance is regulated more in detail by sub-legal acts issued for each election. Source
Source: Article 92/3, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Deklarimi dhe publikimi https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Declaration and publication https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
No
Comment
Third parties are not regulated in the Albanian legislation. |
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The principle of transparency of party financing is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, and further detailed in the Law on political parties. Source
Source: Article 9, Constitution of the Republic of Albania ALB: 3. Burimet financiare të partive, si dhe shpenzimet e tyre bëhen kurdoherë publike. https://qbz.gov.al/preview/635d44bd-96ee-4bc5-8d93-d928cf6f2abd ENG: 3. The sources of financing of parties as well as their expenses are always made public. https://euralius.eu/index.php/en/library/albanian-legislation?task=download.send&id=178&catid=9&m=0 (updated until 2021) Source: Article 15/1, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 2. Financimi i partive politike udhëhiqet nga parimi i transparencës. Të dhënat për burimet financiare të partive, si dhe për shpenzimet e tyre publikohen kurdoherë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 2. The funding of political parties shall be guided by the principle of transparency. Data on the parties’ financial resources and expenses shall be published at any [given] time. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) |
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
Donor identities must be disclosed when contributions exceed certain thresholds. For electoral campaign donations, the disclosure requirement applies to contributions over 50,000 Albanian lek (ALL). For regular (non-campaign) donations, the disclosure requirement applies to contributions over 10,000 ALL. Source
Source: Article 92/1, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 5. Subjekti zgjedhor është i detyruar të bëjë publike dhe të sigurojë akses të plotë e të pandërprerë të të tretëve në bazën e të dhënave, ku subjekti zgjedhor regjistron dhurimet, huat ose kreditë e përfituara nga ai dhe kandidatët e tij, për të gjitha vlerat e barabarta dhe më të larta se 50 mijë lekë. ENG: 5. The electoral subject shall be obliged to disclose and provide full and uninterrupted access to third parties in its database where it records donations, borrowings, or loans benefited by the electoral subject and its candidates, for any amounts equal to and above 50 thousand ALL. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 23/1, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Çdo parti politike duhet të regjistrojë në një regjistër të posaçëm, sipas formatit të miratuar nga Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve, shumën e fondeve të përfituara nga çdo person fizik ose juridik, si dhe të dhëna që lidhen me identifikimin e qartë të dhuruesit. Në çdo rast, dhuruesi, në kohën e dhurimit, nënshkruan detyrimisht një deklaratë dhurimi, sipas formatit të miratuar nga Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve. Lista e personave, që dhurojnë shuma jo më pak se 100 mijë lekë, si dhe vlera përkatëse, duhet të bëhen kurdoherë publike. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: Each political party must record in a special record book, according to the template approved by the Central Election Commission, the amount of funds received by any natural or legal person, and data clearly defining the identity of the donor. When awarding the donation, the donor shall at all times be obliged to sign a donation statement, in accordance with the template approved by the Central Election Commission. The list of persons who donate funds of not less than one hundred thousand ALL along with the respective amount [donated] shall be made public at all times. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 92/3, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025, ALB: Deklarimi dhe publikimi https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Declaration and publication https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 23, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Partitë politike dorëzojnë raportet financiare një herë në vit pranë Komisionit Qendror të Zgjedhjeve, të cilat duhet të përmbajnë informacion të hollësishëm për: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 1. Political parties shall submit financial reports to the Central Election Commission once per year. (updated until 2017) |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
Yes
Source
Source: Article 92/3, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025, ALB: Deklarimi dhe publikimi https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Declaration and publication https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 23, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Partitë politike dorëzojnë raportet financiare një herë në vit pranë Komisionit Qendror të Zgjedhjeve, të cilat duhet të përmbajnë informacion të hollësishëm për: https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 1. Political parties shall submit financial reports to the Central Election Commission once per year. (updated until 2017) |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
EMB
Source
Source: Article 92/3, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Deklarimi dhe publikimi https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Declaration and publication https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 23, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Partitë politike dorëzojnë raportet financiare një herë në vit pranë Komisionit Qendror të Zgjedhjeve, https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 1. Political parties shall submit financial reports to the Central Election Commission once per year https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017)
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56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Comment
Financial reports are reviewed by the Central Election Commission (CEC) and by independent auditors contracted by the CEC. If violations are identified, the CEC may launch administrative investigations and impose fines accordingly. Source
Source: Article 92/6, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Auditimi i fondeve dhe shpenzimeve të fushatës zgjedhore https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Auditing of election campaign funds and expenditures https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 23/2, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Në listën e ekspertëve kontabël të licencuar, që KQZ-ja mban në zbatim të këtij ligji, përfshihen të gjithë ekspertët kontabël të licencuar me eksperiencë, që e ushtrojnë këtë profesion më shumë se pesë vjetët e fundit, të cilët aplikojnë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 1. The CEC holds in implementing this law, the list of certified accounting experts, including all certified accounting experts with experience, who practice the profession over the last five years, and which apply for conducting political parties auditing. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) |
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Impose sanctions
Carry out investigation
Request additional information from potential violator
Source
Source: Article 92/6, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: Auditimi i fondeve dhe shpenzimeve të fushatës zgjedhore https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: Auditing of election campaign funds and expenditures https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e Source: Article 23/2, Law on political parties, 2020 ALB: 1. Në listën e ekspertëve kontabël të licencuar, që KQZ-ja mban në zbatim të këtij ligji, përfshihen të gjithë ekspertët kontabël të licencuar me eksperiencë, që e ushtrojnë këtë profesion më shumë se pesë vjetët e fundit, të cilët aplikojnë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/ligji-per-partite-politike-2020.pdf ENG: 1. The CEC holds in implementing this law, the list of certified accounting experts, including all certified accounting experts with experience, who practice the profession over the last five years, and which apply for conducting political parties auditing. https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/8d/Albania_law_political_parties_2000_am2017_en.pdf (updated until 2017) |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
Fines
Source
Source: Article 173, Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2025 ALB: 1. Shkelja e dispozitave për financimin e fushatës zgjedhore nga personi përgjegjës i financës së një partie politike dënohet me një gjobë nga 100 000 deri 200 000 lekë. https://kqz.gov.al/pdf/kodi-zgjedhor.pdf ENG: 1.A violation of the provisions on electoral campaign financing by the person in charge of the finances of a political party shall be punishable by a fine of ALL 100,000 to 200,000. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/5/7/477547_0.pdf (updated until 2020); amendments 2024 and 2025: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2025)029-e
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