The analysis of voter turnout over the years reveals a concerning trend of declining citizen participation in electoral processes in Albania.
Voter Turnout Trend (2013–2023)
From 2013 to 2023, turnout has fluctuated significantly, with a drastic drop in 2019 (23%) during the local elections.
Although there was a recovery in 2021 (46.3%), turnout declined again to 38.2% in 2023.
Turnout in Local Elections
2015 recorded relatively strong participation.
2019 saw a significant decline (23%), mainly due to opposition boycotts and political crisis.
In 2023, there was an increase compared to 2019, but participation remained lower than in previous years.
Turnout in Parliamentary Elections
2013: 53.5%
2017: 46.8%
2021: 46.3%
2023: 38.2%
This downward trend is linked to a lack of trust in politics, electoral fatigue, and citizen demotivation.
Regional Comparison
Albania ranks among the lowest in voter turnout in the region:
Montenegro – 56.4%
North Macedonia – 55.44%
Bosnia & Herzegovina – 51.45%
Serbia – 47.99%
Kosovo – 40.04%
Albania – lower than most of the region, including Kosovo.
Factors That May Have Influenced Turnout
• Political crisis and election boycotts (especially in 2019)
• Lack of trust in democratic institutions
• High perception of corruption
• Low youth engagement in voting
• Lack of compelling political alternatives
Will This Year Be Different?
For the first time, upcoming elections will also include voters from the diaspora.
This represents a real opportunity to boost turnout and bring back the voices of many citizens who’ve been away from Albania for years but still care about and contribute to the country’s future.
Check the infographic for more detailed data.
This analysis is part of the program “Youth for Truth – Media Literacy to Combat Electoral Disinformation in Lezhë” implemented by H.A.N.A, supported by the See Check Network, and funded by the European Union
