With 14 criminal complaints already filed ahead of Albania’s May 11 elections, authorities are under pressure to ensure transparency and legality. Investigations are ongoing, and two cases have already been escalated to SPAK.

As Albania approaches its parliamentary elections on May 11, 2025, the General Prosecutor’s Office has registered 14 criminal complaints related to alleged violations of the electoral law. The official statement, published on RTSH.al on April 28, details a range of accusations that span several key electoral districts.

According to the report, the complaints include charges such as:

• Obstruction of electoral subjects
• Damage to election materials
• Abuse of public office for political gain
• Threats or violence against election participants

Source and Nature of the Complaints

In its official communication, the General Prosecutor’s Office specified that the complaints originated from various sources:

• 7 reports came from the judicial police
• 3 from the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK)
• 2 from political parties
• 1 was initiated ex officio
• 1 was filed by a citizen

This mixed origin highlights the growing attention on irregularities from both institutional actors and civil society.

Regional Breakdown: Fier Leads with Five Cases

The 14 reported complaints are distributed as follows:

• Fier: 5 cases
• Saranda: 3 cases
• Tirana and Gjirokastra: 2 cases each
• Durrës and Elbasan: 1 case each

Of these, seven cases have already progressed to formal criminal proceedings. Two – originating in Durrës and Fier – have been escalated to SPAK for further investigation, signaling the gravity of the allegations. The other cases remain under preliminary verification.

Authorities Aim to Ensure Fair Elections

The General Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that these actions are part of a broader national effort to uphold electoral integrity. “Ongoing investigations aim to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the fairness of the elections,” the statement explained, reiterating the government’s commitment to free and fair elections.

This development reflects increased scrutiny ahead of the May 11 vote – a critical test for Albania’s democratic institutions, especially in light of past concerns about vote-buying, misuse of administrative resources, and political intimidation.

A Test for Albania’s Democratic Credibility

As both national and international observers keep a close eye on the electoral process, the transparent handling of these 14 complaints will be seen as a litmus test for the credibility of Albania’s democratic framework. With SPAK and other oversight bodies involved, authorities are under pressure to act swiftly and impartially.

Sources:

• General Prosecutor’s Office of Albania, Statement via rtsh.al, April 28, 2025
• rtsh.al, 11 maji – Prokuroria e Përgjithshme: Regjistrohen 14 kallëzime penale, dy raste dërgohen në SPAK, April 29, 2025