"High degree of polarization between the two main parties"/ OSCE-ODIHR on the May 11 elections: A test for EU integration! For the first time, the diaspora vote

The OSCE-ODIHR has published its preliminary report on the May 11 elections in Albania, which states, among other things, that "the political environment is characterized by a high degree of polarization and distrust between the two main parties."

According to the OSCE-ODIHR, these elections represent another key moment for the strengthening of democratic institutions and the advancement of democratic processes in Albania, especially in the context of its ongoing negotiations for membership in the European Union.

The report, which covers the period April 1-21, 2025, says that these elections are an important moment for the country.

“The political climate is characterized by deep polarization, intra-party divisions, persistent high-profile corruption cases, and growing concerns about democratic governance and freedom of expression.

At the same time, progress in EU negotiations and the first-time voting of Albanians living abroad have been the main topics in public discourse.

The political landscape remains dominated by two main parties: the Socialist Party (SP) of Prime Minister Edi Rama, which has won three consecutive parliamentary elections since 2013, and the opposition Democratic Party (DP), currently led by former Prime Minister Sali Berisha. However, the DP has experienced significant internal conflicts that have resulted in the creation of a new splinter party, the Euro-Atlantic Democrats,” the report says.

The report also brings to attention the arrests of senior political officials, such as Ilir Mera and Erion Veliaj, as well as the numerous protests held by the opposition.

“In October 2024, former President Ilir Meta, leader of the Freedom Party, was arrested on corruption charges. The following month, DP leader Sali Berisha was released from house arrest after corruption charges against him were revoked. A series of anti-government protests, which began in late 2024 and continued into 2025, accused the government of corruption and misuse of state resources. Protests also emerged in response to the arrests, which some opposition groups perceived as politically motivated. In February, Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana and a prominent member of the SP, was also arrested on corruption charges.”

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