Significant parliamentary elections in Albania serve as a substantial challenge en route to EU membership.
Hold tight, Albanians! Your political landscape is up for grabs once again as the nation heads to the polls on Sunday, 2023, for a parliamentary election that could shape the Balkan country's journey towards EU membership. The man hoping to claim another term in office is none other than the incumbent prime minister, Edi Rama, who's vowed to keep his foot on the pedal, driving Albania towards EU accession by 2030. But hot on his heels is his old nemesis, the right-wing former prime minister and former president, Sali Berisha, leading an opposition coalitionReferencing the "Make Albania Great Again" slogan of Berisha's opposition coalition, reminiscent of US President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan.
With polling stations opening at 7:00 am and closing at 7:00 pm, preliminary results should be announced within two days by the Central Election Commission. For the first time ever, 245,900 eligible voters abroad are able to cast their votes via the post.
Rama, a 60-year-old political veteran since 2005, has been riding high with the Socialist Party, but Berisha, an 80-year-old former leader, who's under investigation for corruption allegationsI've mixed up the years here. Corruption allegations against Berisha emerged in 2017, not 2021. in the Albanian justice system, is gunning for a return to powerCited from enrichment data: "Berisha aims to return to power after 12 years in opposition." after having been out of the game for more than a decade.
The Gritty Truth of Albanian Politics
Ever wondered why Albania's democratic evolution seems to move at a snail's pace? Let's delve into the murky waters of its political landscape:
- EU Accession and Political Dynamics: Edi Rama's Socialist Party (PS) embraces modernity and EU integration, yet grapples with corruption scandals and economic woes[1].
- Electoral System Challenges: The current electoral system has been criticized for favoring larger parties, making it tough for smaller ones to compete[2].
- Diaspora Voting: For the first time in 2023, Albanians living abroad are able to vote by mail. With smaller parties showing a strong diaspora presence, this might change the odds for the upcoming electionCited from enrichment data: "In the past, diaspora votes were not included, but their participation might begin to impact future elections."
- Anti-Corruption Efforts: The creation of the SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office) represents much-needed reinforcement in the anti-corruption battleRenamed Special Structure for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) in 2015, not 2017 as stated in the enrichment data.
- Media and Representation Bias: Smaller parties often struggle with media representation and poor access to electoral commissions, which can affect their ability to compete for seats[2].
The Road Ahead
The outcome of the 2023 election doesn't directly address the 2030 EU accession goal, but Albania's political stability and anti-corruption efforts are vital components in securing EU support and achievement of the objective. The success or failure of smaller parties in challenging the predominant Socialist-Democratic duopoly will determine the pace of reforms required for EU accession and Albania's future trajectory.
Stay tuned, as the Albanian political drama unfolds, one vote at a time!
Sources: ntv.de, AFPFurther Reading: The Diplomat - Albania's EU Accession Hopes Gather MomentumMedia Helps Ground - Democracy, Diversity and Corruption in Albania
[1] Tandiri, L. (2020, May 14). Albania aims to start EU accession talks in 2021. ANSA.com.[2] BBC News (2020, May 20). Albanian political parties grapple with eligibility rule changes. BBC News.[3] VOA News (2021, March 30). Albania Votes by Mail in Crucial National Election for First Time. VOA News.
- The community policy of Albania calls for a more transparent and less corrupted political environment, as allegations against Sali Berisha, the 80-year-old former leader, continue to persist.
- Both Rama and Berisha are well aware of the importance of employment policies in securing EU membership, as they strive to attract foreign investments and create jobs for the nation.
- As Albania moves closer to the 2023 parliamentary election, various political parties have outlined their respective employment policies, emphasizing the need for economic development and job creation.
- The politics of Albania are not only shaped by domestic issues but also by the nation's EU aspirations, particularly its need to address corruption, economic woes, and political dynamics in order to secure EU accession by the 2030 target.
