[2][3] The president has the power to set the date of the elections for the Parliament as well as referendum, grants pardons and awards.
Albania has experienced different models of governance, including an international protectorate, a monarchy, a state-party regime and the parliamentary republic as well.
On 6 February 1914, Prince Wilhelm Wied was appointed as head of state by the Ambassadors Conference.
On 8 January 1920 the Congress of Lushnjë elected the 'High Council' composed by four members, one of whom would exercise the functions of the head of state by introducing and bringing back the parliamentarian way of governance.
The nation was proclaimed a monarchy and Ahmet Zogu was crowned the King of Albanians on 28 September 1928.
[11] The result was a victory for Ramiz Alia of the Party of Labour of Albania (PPSh), who received 56.2% of the vote in the third round of the elections, ahead of 3 other candidates.
Sali Berisha, the Democratic Party of Albania (PD) candidate and runner-up in the election, received almost 38.7% of the vote.
[15] Berisha also won the third presidential election in 1997 and was re-elected on 3 February 1997, he resigned due to the Albanian unrest.
At least in the fourth round on 20 July, Bamir Topi of the Democratic Party of Albania (PD) won the election.
In the fourth round, the result was a victory for Bujar Nishani of the Democratic Party of Albania (PD).
[26] The Constitution, states that the president addresses messages to the Parliament, exercises the right of pardon according to the law, grants Albanian citizenship and permits it to be given up according to the law, gives decorations and titles of honor according to the law, accords the highest military rank according to the law, on the proposal of the Prime Minister, he appoints and withdraws plenipotentiary representatives of the Republic of Albania to other states and international organizations, accepts letters of credentials and the withdrawal of diplomatic representatives of other states and international organization accredited to him, signs international agreements according to the law, upon proposal of the Prime Minister, he appoints the Director of the National Security Department, nominates rectors of universities upon proposal of their council's representatives, sets the date of the elections for the Parliament, for the organs of local power and for the conduct of a referendum and requests opinions and information in writing from the directors of state institutions for issues that have to do with their duties.
Before assuming presidential duty, the president-elect is required to take an oath of office before the Parliament, swearing loyalty to the Constitution.
I swear that I will obey to the Constitution and laws of the country, that I will respect the rights and freedoms of citizens, protect the independence of the Republic of Albania, and I will serve the general interest and the progress of the Albanian people.
The building consists three floors where two entrance gates lead an oval driveway from the Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard.
[28] The Palace was commissioned by King Zog I of Albania to serve as his main official residence.
After the second World War it has been used by the Government of Albania for holding official ceremonies and state receptions.