Elections in Albania

Elections in Albania are commonly called zgjedhje. They are the main democratic method for choosing national representatives and local decision-makers. In parliamentary elections, voters elect members of the Kuvendi. The parliamentary result determines the balance of political support from which a national government can be formed. In local elections, voters choose municipal mayors and municipal councils. These elections affect local leadership, community priorities, public services, planning, and municipal spending. The President of Albania is not elected directly by the public. The Kuvendi elects the President through the constitutional parliamentary process, which reflects Albania’s parliamentary system. Political parties and electoral coalitions present candidates and programs, and independent candidacies may also be possible under electoral rules. Voters can compare proposals, candidates, public records, and the likely practical effects of each choice. The Central Election Commission, known in Albanian as the Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve, has a central role in election administration. Other election bodies, voting centers, observers, political participants, and complaint institutions also have defined responsibilities. A voter normally uses an assigned voting center, confirms identity and eligibility, receives the appropriate ballot, marks it privately, and places it through the official process. The secret ballot protects each person’s freedom to choose without having to reveal the vote. After voting ends, ballots are counted, results are recorded, and official result procedures follow. Complaints and appeals provide ways to challenge alleged violations, while observers and public reporting help make the process more transparent.