Albania - May 2025
Socialist Party wins election, securing PM Edi Rama’s fourth term
On 11 May, Albania held its parliamentary elections, in which the ruling Socialist Party (SP) won 52.2 per cent of the vote, securing Prime Minister Edi Rama an unprecedented fourth term. The SP will hold 83 of 140 seats in Parliament—just one short of the number needed for constitutional amendments. The opposition Coalition Democratic Party (DP-ASHM) came second with 34.3 per cent and 51 seats. Its leader, Sali Berisha, rejected the results, accusing the SP of vote-buying. Observers noted that the elections were competitive and professionally conducted but took place in a highly polarized environment and contestants did not enjoy a level playing field. Similar to the previous legislature, the proportion of women in Parliament will make up 35.0 per cent, exceeding the 30 per cent quota. Voter turnout stood at 42.8 per cent, down from 46.3 per cent in 2021.
Sources: Balkan Insight, Central Election Commission Albania, Politiko, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
