Electoral Processes and Democratic Consolidation in Albania

by Albana MISJA

Judge at the First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction in Berat

Abstract
Electoral processes represent a central mechanism through which societies legitimize political authority and sustain democratic development. In Albania, electoral practices have historically mirrored broader political transformations, from preindependence representation in the Ottoman parliament to symbolic elections under authoritarian regimes, and more recently to pluralist democratic contests since 1991. This paper examines the historical evolution of electoral processes in Albania, analyzing their role in shaping institutional legitimacy and their contribution to democratic consolidation. Special attention is given to the parliamentary elections of May 11, 2025, which occurred in a shifting geopolitical landscape and amid significant internal institutional reforms. By exploring historical trajectories, legal frameworks, and international monitoring practices, the study assesses whether Albania’s electoral processes have progressively advanced democratic standards over three decades of political pluralism and whether the most recent elections represent a meaningful step toward democratic consolidation.
Keywords: Albania, democracy, elections, political legitimacy, democratic consolidation

https://doi.org/10.58944/gnjl4892