Berisha's campaign, which has drawn on U.S. political strategies, has evolved its messaging and enlisted the help of political consultant Chris LaCivita, known for his work with Donald Trump.

On May 11, 2025, Albanians cast their votes in a pivotal election to decide whether Prime Minister Edi Rama would secure a fourth term or if his rival, Sali Berisha, would take the helm, all while Albania seeks to join the European Union.

The emergence of new political parties could disrupt the traditional two-party dominance, although analysts predict limited change in the political landscape following the election.

Despite facing accusations of corruption and press suppression, Rama maintains support from many voters who are disillusioned with the opposition.

Younger voters showed significant discontent with both Rama and Berisha, expressing a desire for new political leadership amid ongoing issues of income inequality and emigration.

Election day was largely peaceful, with a voter turnout reported at 41.17 percent, and the Central Election Commission confirmed that the process adhered to established norms despite minor irregularities.

This election marks the best performance for Rama's party after three consecutive terms in power, reflecting a consolidation of his influence since taking office in 2013.

Economic issues dominated the election, with both major parties promising significant increases in pensions and wages, although analysts expressed skepticism about the feasibility of these ambitious pledges.

The European Union appears to be prioritizing stability in the Balkans over holding Rama accountable for democratic shortcomings, focusing on countering the influence of rival powers like Russia and China.

Preliminary results indicate that Rama's Socialist Party won 83 out of 140 parliamentary seats, marking an increase of nine seats compared to their previous count.

For the first time, the Albanian diaspora participated in the election, contributing over 192,000 ballots, which played a significant role in the overall voting process.