Edi Rama secures a historic fourth term as Prime Minister.

At the helm of the **Albanian government** since 2013, **Edi Rama** is set to embark on an unprecedented fourth term as Prime Minister following the victory of the **Socialist Party** in the **legislative elections**. Official results were published by the **Central Electoral Commission** on May 13 at midnight.

The Election Results

With **52.16%** of the votes, Rama’s party leads far ahead of the coalition advocating for a **“Great Albania”** led by his historical rival, **Sali Berisha**. Early results from the voting abroad show that Rama continues to maintain his lead. According to projections, the **Socialists** could secure even more seats than in **2021**, when they won **74 seats** in the **140-seat Assembly**.

Opposition’s Response

The counting delays of votes from the diaspora have been attributed to complaints from the opposition regarding potential manipulation of votes from **Albanians in Greece**. **Sali Berisha**, the leader of the **Democratic Party**, accused the Socialists of pressure, fraud, and vote-buying, suggesting that his party might not recognize the election results.

Berisha has called for a demonstration on **Friday**, coinciding with the arrival of numerous European heads of state in **Tirana** for a major summit, adding to the political tensions surrounding the election results.

International Observers

The election was closely monitored by the **European Union**, considered as a key indicator of the democratic maturity of this Balkan nation. Historically, Albania has been under one of the strictest dictatorships in the world, making its transition to democracy particularly significant. Observers from the **OSCE** reported that despite certain shortcomings, the elections were generally conducted in an inclusive and transparent manner.

**Kaja Kallas**, head of European diplomacy, noted that the electoral day was calm and well-organized. The observation aims to ensure fairness and adherence to democratic principles, reflecting the EU’s interest in strengthening ties with Albania.

International Reactions

Following the preliminary results, Italian Prime Minister **Giorgia Meloni** congratulated Edi Rama on his reelection. Other notable leaders such as **Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky** and Spanish Prime Minister **Pedro Sanchez** also expressed their congratulations, highlighting the importance of Albania’s political stability in the region.

The reactions from international leaders reinforce Albania’s strategic position in **Southeast Europe** and the ongoing importance of its potential EU membership.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of the elections, the political landscape in **Albania** remains tense as both supporters and opponents of Edi Rama engage in a delicate dance of democracy. The results signify a continued preference for the **Socialist Party**, but the opposition’s allegations of irregularities could influence public trust and future electoral outcomes. As Europe watches closely, the stability of Albania will play a crucial role in its aspiration for deeper integration into European structures.