In a historic development, around 10,000 Albanians from the diaspora have registered to vote in the upcoming May 11 elections, potentially numbering in the hundreds of thousands by the deadline. This recent change allows voting from abroad for the first time in Albanian history, raising the stakes for political parties as Prime Minister Edi Rama seeks a fourth term against Sali Berisha’s opposition and other parties.
Tirana is witnessing an unprecedented surge in voter registrations among its diaspora, with approximately 10,000 Albanians signing up in just 48 hours for the upcoming national elections scheduled for May 11. This event marks a significant milestone in Albanian electoral history, as experts predict that by the time registration closes, hundreds of thousands of Albanians living abroad may be eligible to vote. The influx of votes from the diaspora could profoundly influence election results, especially since current polling only reflects the preferences of voters residing within Albania.
According to Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha, out of Albania’s population of 4.6 million, 3.7 million are eligible to vote. However, census data indicates that merely 2.4 million live in Albania, leading to a substantial diaspora exceeding 1 million individuals residing primarily in nations such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Following advocacy efforts by civil society and diaspora groups, the Albanian Parliament enacted a law last year that permits remote voting, thereby enabling expatriates to participate in the electoral process for the first time.
The registration process involves citizens submitting their residency information through an online portal and subsequently receiving a ballot envelope to cast their votes. This innovative move could reshape the political landscape, particularly as Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party aims to secure a fourth term amidst competition from Sali Berisha’s center-right Democratic Party and various smaller opposition factions from both the center and left.
The political landscape of Albania is gearing up for significant changes with the introduction of remote voting for citizens living abroad. This development stems from a legislative change motivated by a concerted campaign from civil society and diaspora advocates. It is a progressive step in ensuring greater participation from a considerable portion of the population that has historically been underrepresented in national elections due to their residence outside the country. Understanding this shift is crucial for interpreting the forthcoming election dynamics, as demographics and voting trends from the diaspora may now play an essential role in determining electoral outcomes.
In conclusion, Albania’s upcoming elections on May 11 could be radically transformed by the unprecedented registration of voters from the diaspora. With a significant portion of the population now able to participate, the potential number of votes from abroad could reshape the electoral results, challenging the traditional polling methods that have previously guided predictions. This historic move towards inclusivity may assure broader representation for all Albanians, regardless of their geographical location, setting a new precedent for future elections.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
