An investigation launched by SPAK after a 2025 referral from Tirana Police into alleged vote-buying by two candidates of Tom Doshi’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) has ended without evidence of electoral crimes.
According to the court decision, SPAK found no involvement by the candidates or a third suspected individual in alleged vote-buying during Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections.
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Investigation Failed to Confirm Vote-Buying Allegations
The police referral concerned a PSD parliamentary candidate who had established an electoral office in the Paskuqan area.
Police alleged that the candidate had promised voters €200–€300 per vote, as well as potential jobs depending on the level of support received.
Investigators also suspected cooperation with a PSD supporter allegedly influential in Bathore and Manzë, as well as another PSD parliamentary candidate.
SPAK subsequently opened an investigation into active electoral corruption, including telephone and environmental surveillance and monitoring of the suspected intermediary.
Despite establishing that the individual participated actively in meetings with citizens and PSD campaign events, investigators reportedly found no evidence confirming the vote-buying allegations.
Court Accepts Request to Close Case
The information provided by Tirana Police was also deemed insufficient to justify placing the parliamentary candidates or other individuals under surveillance.
As a result, SPAK requested that the case be dismissed. The Special Court accepted the request, effectively closing the investigation.
The case highlights the distinction between an electoral allegation being referred for investigation and an allegation ultimately being supported by admissible evidence.