Albanians abroad can register to vote in May elections

Tirana, January 11, 2025 – Albanians living abroad now have the opportunity to vote in the country’s parliamentary elections on May 11. This is the first time the diaspora will be able to cast their votes from outside Albania.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has opened an online registration process to make voting accessible for emigrants. Interested voters can register through the CEC’s official website or by downloading a mobile app.

The process requires a phone number, an email address, and the creation of an eight-character password. A verification code will be sent to activate the registration. Applicants also need a smartphone with a camera for facial recognition as part of the identity confirmation.

To complete the process, voters must upload scans of their passport or ID card and any additional required documents. The CEC will review the applications and respond within three days to confirm eligibility.

Successful applicants will be moved to a dedicated diaspora voter list. Ballot papers will then be sent to their registered address, which must be verified during the application. Completed ballots can be returned by post.

The registration deadline is March 4. This initiative is expected to allow more Albanians living abroad to participate in national elections.