Albanian voters are casting their ballots in parliamentary elections on Sunday, May 11, with Prime Minister Edi Rama aiming to secure a fourth consecutive term—an unprecedented feat in the country’s political history.
In power since 2013, Rama leads the Socialist Party and is currently ahead in the race against his long-standing political adversary, former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who represents the Democratic Party.
Tensions have risen over the past year as opposition voices criticize Rama for what they describe as increasingly authoritarian tactics, including measures targeting Berisha.
Rama’s administration has also been rocked by controversy, most notably the arrest of his close ally, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, who faces charges of corruption and money laundering.
Despite the turmoil, Rama closed out his campaign with a strong message about Albania’s future in Europe. “We will win a fourth mandate and won’t waste a single day on the path to Albania 2030 in the EU,” he declared at his final campaign rally on Friday.
While polls indicate Rama maintains a lead, his party may require the backing of smaller parties to preserve its current narrow majority of four seats.
