Albania’s Elections: Unpredictable Outcomes as Diaspora Votes Surge
In a groundbreaking shift, approximately 10,000 Albanians abroad registered to vote in the May 11 elections within just 48 hours. Experts predict hundreds of thousands may register before the deadline, potentially impacting election results significantly. This move follows recent legislative changes permitting remote voting for citizens outside Albania, thereby altering the political landscape as Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government vies for a fourth term amid strong opposition.
In just 48 hours, around 10,000 Albanians residing abroad have registered to vote in the upcoming national elections scheduled for May 11. This historic influx of registrations may lead to unpredictable electoral outcomes, as experts predict several hundred thousand individuals could register by the deadline. Given the lack of current polling that includes the diaspora, their participation could significantly influence the election results.
According to Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha, approximately 3.7 million of Albania’s 4.6 million citizens are eligible to vote, but the recent census reveals that only 2.4 million live domestically. This indicates that over 1 million Albanians are based internationally across various countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Following advocacy from civil society and diaspora groups, Albanian legislators modified electoral laws last year. This change marks a pivotal moment in Albanian history, enabling citizens living abroad to cast their votes remotely. Registrants are required to utilize an online portal to confirm their residence overseas and subsequently receive a ballot envelope to complete and return.
As the Albanian Socialist Party, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, seeks a fourth consecutive term, it faces formidable opposition from Sali Berisha’s centre-right Democratic Party, along with various smaller coalition parties from the center and left. The dynamics of this election could be drastically altered by the substantial diaspora voter participation.
The participation of the Albanian diaspora in the upcoming national elections marks a significant change in the political landscape of Albania. For the first time, citizens living abroad can vote remotely, a decision facilitated by recent legislative amendments. This reform was largely propelled by the advocacy of diaspora and civil society organizations, reflecting a growing recognition of their contributions to the national identity and political engagement of Albanians worldwide. With a majority of eligible voters now residing outside the country, the ramifications of their votes will be keenly observed.
The impending national elections in Albania present a unique and unpredictable scenario, largely due to the unprecedented registration of voters from the diaspora. With over 10,000 registrations within days and potentially many more to follow, these voters may exert considerable influence on the election outcomes. The shift to allow remote voting for citizens abroad exemplifies a significant change in Albanian electoral law, aiming to unify and engage the global Albanian community in national decision-making processes.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
