By Luiza Hoxhaj
As an engaged citizen of Albania, I
believe it is important to provide international readers with an insider’s
perspective on how these parliamentary elections reflect both the country's
greatest challenges and deepest hopes. What follows is a personal reflection
for those who care about democracy in Southeast Europe.
“Albanian citizens
voting in the 2021 parliamentary elections.”
From the viewpoint of an engaged
citizen closely following domestic developments, the parliamentary elections of
May 11, 2025, are much more than an ordinary political event. They represent a
critical test for Albania’s democratic resilience and a moment in which the
world will assess our readiness to emerge as a stable and responsible
state—ready to join the European family.
According to international observers:
“These elections take place in a
deeply polarized political context, with public trust remaining fragile and
ongoing concerns regarding the rule of law. Institutional credibility is weak,
and confidence in electoral justice is low due to the blurred lines between
state and party, inequality in campaign resources and media coverage, and
deficiencies in the electoral legal framework, which require review and
improvement. Evaluating electoral processes and identifying steps for reform
are essential to ensuring a fairer and more transparent system.”
From an international perspective, the
2025 parliamentary elections are a test of Albania's commitment to the
democratic values it has pledged to uphold as an EU candidate country. Our
European partners, international observers, and the global community are not
only interested in who wins, but in how the process unfolds: Is it inclusive?
Transparent? Peaceful? Technically sound?
Beyond institutions and governments,
Albanian communities abroad, regional analysts, and the international media are
following the process closely. They are not seeking perfection—but progress. A
credible signal that Albanian politics is moving beyond a logic of conflict,
and toward a culture of institutional trust, accountability, and civic
engagement.
The outcome of the May 11 elections
will determine not only who leads Albania but will also serve as a message—both
to ourselves and to the world—about our democratic maturity and political
stability at a key moment in our European journey. And at this moment, the
world is not just watching us—it is watching with hope.
✨ A Call for
Active Citizenship
As an Albanian citizen, I believe the
true test lies not only in how our political elites manage these elections, but
in how we, the people, choose to engage in this process.
This is a moment for all of us to
reflect on our role in shaping the future of our country—by voting responsibly,
holding our leaders accountable, and actively participating in democratic
dialogue. Our May 11, 2025 elections will not only define the political
landscape but will also send a message to the world about Albania’s aspirations
and its rightful place in the European family.
📚 References and
Sources:
1.
OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the 2025 parliamentary
elections—monitoring transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness.
2.
ODIHR Election Monitoring Report, emphasizing the need for 26 long-term
and 300 short-term observers to assess the electoral process.
3.
Voting Rights for the Albanian Diaspora—these will be the first elections
in which Albanians abroad can vote by mail, significantly expanding the
electorate and strengthening democratic participation.
4.
Public Opinion and Key Voter Concerns—surveys identifying top issues such
as high prices, corruption, unemployment, and emigration as central to voter
behavior.
5.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs—acknowledging
Albania’s progress in EU integration while also stressing the continued need
for reforms in rule of law and media freedom.
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