The election campaign was highly polarised, with competing narratives centered on pressing national issues such as European Union (EU) accession, economic development, healthcare reform, infrastructure modernisation, and the government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
Campaign strategies were significantly altered due to the pandemic, with political parties increasingly relying on digital platforms and social media to reach voters, as traditional in-person events were limited by public health restrictions.
Subsequently, on 18 September, the cabinet was formally sworn in, with a renewed focus on earthquake reconstruction, economic recovery, pandemic management, and efforts to strengthen the rule of law.
The new administration's priorities included the continued rebuilding of infrastructure following the devastating 2019 earthquake, as well as the implementation of reforms aimed at modernising Albania's economy and improving the welfare system.
[3] By early 2019, an unrest arose as the opposition, particularly the PD and LSI, expressed intense dissatisfaction with the administration of Rama, citing allegations of perceived corruption and electoral fraud.
The government instituted a comprehensive set of public health measures, including nationwide lockdowns, travel restrictions, and the enforcement of social distancing protocols, which resulted in profound economic repercussions.
In June, an agreement was reached to implement a depoliticised electoral administration, consistent with recommendations from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which included the introduction of electronic voter identification and the restructuring of the KQZ.
[14][15] On 5 October 2020, the parliament approved further amendments to the electoral code, aimed at enhancing gender representation, safeguarding public resources, and reforming candidate verification, nomination processes, campaign financing, and dispute mechanisms.
[20] Furthermore, Albanian citizens returning from Greece and North Macedonia shortly before the election were barred from voting because of a 14-day quarantine mandate imposed by the Technical Committee of Experts on 19 April.
[44][45] The Socialist Movement for Integration also announced its intention to compete independently, while indicating plans to corporate with the two major opposition parties in the counties of Dibër, Gjirokastër and Kukës to create a joint candidate list.
[70][71] The campaign was highly polarised, with the discourse centered on European Union accession, economic growth, infrastructure modernisation, healthcare, democratic reforms, and the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analysts questioned the credibility of the reported engagement metrics, suggesting potential manipulation through the misuse of public resources and coordinated actions, which undermines social media's reliability as an indicator of authentic voter sentiment.
[82] The campaign organised by the PS, presented through the "Rruga drejt 25 Prillit" series of online conferences, offered a comprehensive overview of critical socio-political issues while articulating the government's achievements and objectives.
[91] The conference held on 8 March, "Shqipëria e ardhmja, emigracioni e shkuara," explored the pressing issue of Albanian emigration, proposing a series of strategic interventions designed to mitigate this phenomenon through the promotion of enhanced economic opportunities and the fortification of social welfare programs.
[97] On 15 March, the conference "Pagat, Taksa dhe Biznesi" continued this dialogue, emphasising the importance of fair wages and tax policies that support business development.
"[100][101] This conference advocated for a 40% increase in teacher salaries, the introduction of English language instruction in all schools starting from first grade, and the construction of new educational facilities, including a university campus.
[107] On 25 March, the Democratic Party – Alliance for Change launched its electoral campaign at 18:00 (CET) at Mother Teresa Square in Tirana under the slogan "Shqipëria fiton" that corresponds to "Albania wins".
[108][109] The event was marked by extensive motorcades of luxury vehicles and large gatherings of party supporters, during which social distancing and COVID-19 safety measures, as recommended by the Technical Committee of Experts, were not adhered to.
[109] The selected slogan echoed the 1996 campaign motto "Me ne fitojnë të gjithë" (With us, everyone wins), raised questions about the party's vision and creativity, suggesting a perceived lack of innovation in its political messaging.
[120] She criticised the political establishment for monopolising power and dismissed the notion of meaningful change from figures like Basha, Meta, and Kryemadhi, accusing them of co-opting her party's slogan.
[120] Doshi of the Social Democratic Party launched their campaign on 26 March in Tirana under the slogan, "Na jepni besimin, t'ju kthjejmë shpresën", which translates to "Give us your trust, and we will restore your hope".
[127][128] The Socialist Party (PS) emerged as the predominant political force in the elections, securing 768,134 votes, which represented 48.67% of the total electorate, and successfully maintaining its representation with 74 seats in the parliament.
[60] Prime Minister Albin Kurti actively encouraged Albanian voters to support these candidates, with party members participating in campaign events across Albania.
[134] Subsequent to the announcement of the preliminary election results, Rama proclaimed his electoral triumph and convened with supporters of the Socialist Party (PS) at Skanderbeg Square in Tirana to commemorate his third consecutive term in office.
[139] Conversely, Basha of the Democratic Party – Alliance for Change (PD – AN) contested the preliminary results, alleging that the PS engaged in extensive electoral manipulation, including vote buying and the invalidation of thousands of ballots.
[144] Endri Shabani of Nisma Thurje conveyed gratitude and apologies to their supporters, recognising the significant effort made by citizens who contributed their time and resources to the campaign.
[155][156][157] Subsequently, on 14 September, the President Ilir Meta decreed the government after all ministers were confirmed by the national anti-corruption agency, Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK).
[160][161] Following the oath-taking, Rama convened an inaugural session with the newly appointed ministers, comprising 12 women and 5 men, marking their first summit as the Këshilli i Ministrave at Kryeministria.
[161] The cabinet received parliamentary approval with 77 votes in favor, amid ongoing discussions regarding President Meta's recent dismissal, which awaited a ruling from the Constitutional Court.
[155] The administration's agenda emphasised earthquake reconstruction, effective pandemic management, enhancement of welfare, and initiatives aimed at economic modernisation and the fortification of the rule of law.