Albania is preparing for a pivotal election on Sunday, May 11, where voters will choose between the incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama of the Socialist Party and his main opponent, Sali Berisha, leader of the center-right coalition.

This election marks a significant moment in Albania's political landscape, as approximately 250,000 registered voters from the Albanian diaspora will participate for the first time.

Edi Rama, who is vying for a fourth consecutive term, has emphasized his commitment to securing European Union membership for Albania by 2030. This ambition resonates with over 80% of Albania's citizens, making it a cornerstone of his campaign strategy.

During his rallies, Rama has showcased symbols of EU aspirations, including flags bearing the twelve stars of the EU flag, and has referred to Albania's potential accession as being 'at the gates of Europe.' In recent months, Albania has made progress in its EU negotiations, successfully opening 16 out of 35 required chapters for membership.

Economic indicators suggest that Albania's economy has been growing robustly, with an annual growth rate exceeding 4% projected for 2022 to 2024. This growth has been driven by trade relations with the EU, a surge in tourism, and significant contributions from the hydropower sector.

However, persistent issues such as low living standards and high unemployment rates have contributed to significant emigration, leading to a population decline of approximately 420,000 between 2011 and 2023.

The Socialist Party remains a formidable presence in the Albanian Parliament, aiming to solidify its majority of the 140 seats.

Facing Rama is Sali Berisha, a veteran politician who previously served as the country's first president after the fall of communism.

Berisha has recently resumed leadership of the Democratic Party after years of internal conflict, during which he faced parliamentary expulsion amid allegations of corruption, including sanctions from the United States and the United Kingdom.

In an effort to revitalize the Democratic Party, Berisha has adopted campaign strategies reminiscent of populist movements, including themes associated with the Trump-led slogan 'Make Albania Great Again.' He has engaged the services of Chris LaCivita, a notable figure from American presidential campaigns, and has focused his platform on issues such as corruption and judicial reform.

Both Rama and Berisha face scrutiny over corruption, a pervasive issue in Albanian politics.

Rama's administration has been linked to several scandals, particularly involving contracts related to waste management.

The Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has reported seizing approximately 200 million euros in corruption-related cases since its inception in 2019. Ongoing investigations have raised concerns about the connections between political figures and organized crime, particularly regarding drug trafficking operations facilitated through the port of Durres.

The upcoming election's outcome may hinge on the diaspora’s influence, coupled with the emergence of new political entities seeking to challenge the established parties.

New parties such as the Together Movement, founded in 2022, and other centrist anti-corruption groups are positioning themselves as alternatives in a political environment increasingly perceived as corrupt.

The interplay of these factors could significantly impact the election results and the future trajectory of Albania's path toward EU integration.