Albania’s electoral process has once again come under heavy criticism following the May 11 parliamentary elections, as experts and watchdogs highlight deep-rooted irregularities and concerning levels of criminal influence.
In an interview for A2 CNN’s program “ÇdoKënd” with journalist Merita Haklaj, Aranita Brahaj, director of Open Data Albania, issued a strong warning about the state of democracy in the country. Citing the OSCE-ODIHR report, Brahaj emphasized that the 2025 elections were far from free and fair, suggesting that organized crime groups played an active role in shaping electoral outcomes.
“Criminal Groups Were Active During Elections”
According to Brahaj, criminal gangs were not passive observers but rather key players who negotiated directly with the ruling party for power-sharing agreements and influence. She stated that these groups leveraged their control and intimidation tactics to secure political and economic benefits.
“The ruling party has managed to use every model of power,” said Brahaj. “They have introduced promises that clearly violate electoral laws. We’ve also seen cases involving the confiscation of large buildings and the recruitment of major businessmen who were told: ‘Either you’re with us, or…’.”
Her comments underline a growing concern among civil society and international observers that Albania’s elections remain vulnerable to criminal infiltration and manipulation, despite years of reforms and international oversight.
OSCE-ODIHR Report Highlights Serious Irregularities
The OSCE-ODIHR report on Albania’s May 11 elections pointed to numerous violations that question the overall integrity of the vote. Brahaj noted that the report, while detailed, could have included even more instances of misconduct observed across the country.
Among the main issues raised were:
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Misuse of state resources for campaigning purposes.
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Intimidation of voters and pressure on public sector employees.
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Vote-buying practices, often disguised as social assistance or employment offers.
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Lack of transparency in campaign financing and media coverage.
“The OSCE report contains enough evidence to conclude that Albania did not have a proper electoral process,” Brahaj argued. “This goes beyond a simple issue of electoral reform. It reflects a deeper problem in how political power is exercised and negotiated.”
Power Negotiations Between Crime and Politics
Perhaps the most alarming revelation from Brahaj’s statement is the collaboration between criminal organizations and political structures. She described a system in which gangs appoint their members to strategic positions in customs, tax offices, and local administrations — allowing them to build influence and control over state mechanisms.
“We see that during election periods, these criminal bands become more active,” Brahaj said. “Through their connections and appointments, they secure power for themselves while negotiating that same power with the ruling party.”
Such practices, she added, not only distort the democratic process but also entrench organized crime within the state apparatus, creating a dangerous overlap between political and criminal interests.
Lack of Public Awareness and Accountability
Despite the seriousness of these claims, Brahaj lamented the lack of public awareness and institutional response. She argued that there has not been enough civic mobilization or media exposure regarding the infiltration of criminal groups in politics.
“There wasn’t enough public awareness about what’s happening in Albania,” she said. “Citizens see these patterns, but there’s a normalization of such behavior, which weakens democracy.”
Observers have repeatedly called for greater transparency and enforcement from the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the prosecution authorities. However, with limited investigations and few consequences for electoral offenses, impunity continues to prevail.
Electoral Reform Not Enough
Brahaj also expressed skepticism that Albania’s ongoing electoral reform will fix these systemic issues. According to her, reforms focused merely on technical adjustments — such as vote counting or ballot distribution — will not eliminate the influence of money and crime in politics.
“Electoral reform may give smaller parties a bit more of a chance,” she noted, referring to minor parties that gained enough votes for five seats but ultimately secured only one. “But the problem is deeper — it’s about how power is built and maintained through informal networks.”
She suggested that true reform must address the financial and criminal influence over political decision-making, ensure independent oversight institutions, and strengthen voter protection mechanisms.
International Reactions and What Comes Next
International organizations have expressed concern about the recurring pattern of irregularities in Albania’s elections. The European Union, which has supported Albania’s path toward EU membership, has repeatedly called for free, fair, and transparent elections as a prerequisite for further progress.
However, as Brahaj’s analysis indicates, structural corruption and criminal alliances remain deeply entrenched. Unless there is decisive political will to confront these forces, Albania risks eroding public trust in democracy and damaging its international credibility.
The government, for its part, has rejected accusations of collaboration with criminal networks, claiming that reforms are underway to strengthen law enforcement and transparency. Yet, civic groups argue that without accountability, these promises remain hollow.
Aranita Brahaj’s remarks shed light on an uncomfortable truth: Albania’s democratic process is being undermined not only by political manipulation but by the growing influence of organized crime. Her call for awareness and action serves as a crucial reminder that democracy cannot thrive where fear, money, and criminal power dictate political outcomes.
If Albania is to move forward, it must confront this reality head-on — through institutional integrity, civic courage, and a commitment to restoring faith in the ballot box.