Top prosecutor says not every election complaint is a crime

Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecutor says his office cannot investigate every election complaint, warning that many cases fall outside its legal powers.

Klodian Braho, who heads the Special Prosecution Office, told MPs that his office deals only with election corruption, unless cases involve senior officials or organised crime.

He said repeated problems remain across Albanian elections, including vote-buying, pressure on voters and public employees, misuse of state resources and concerns over campaign financing.

From 2021 to 2025, the office handled 233 election-related files and opened 157 criminal proceedings. For the 2025 parliamentary elections alone, it reviewed 194 reports and opened 46 cases.

Braho said 22 of those cases are still under investigation, while five have gone to trial.

He called for a national strategy on election crime, stronger cooperation between institutions and tougher penalties for serious offences.