A single exit poll released by the Kosovo-based broadcaster Klan Kosova and the English-language outlet Albanian Post—both known for leanings favorable to the government—has projected a clear victory for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party, capturing 51 percent of the vote. The Democratic Party, led by Sali Berisha, trails behind with just 38 percent.
Despite the interest surrounding the vote, most broadcasters in Albania chose not to release their own exit polls. Instead, they focused coverage on campaign analyses and minor incidents, such as a damaged ballot box in Kamëz. No direct reason was given for the absence of wider polling data.
“My suspicion is that political parties may have influenced media outlets to hold back on exit poll results, aiming not to demotivate election officials involved in counting the votes,” said analyst Dervishi.
Media professionals in Albania often face heightened pressure during elections. According to Reporters Without Borders, Albania fares better on the press freedom index compared to neighboring countries like Greece, Kosovo, and Serbia, but challenges persist.
In the Albanian electoral process, once voting concludes, ballot boxes are transported to central district offices, where each vote is counted by hand. The process is closely monitored by representatives from all political parties as well as independent civil society observers to ensure fairness and transparency.
Given the high stakes of the election, both major parties have emphasized the importance of vigilance during ballot counting. “If an exit poll were to prematurely declare one party the loser, it could compromise the neutrality and integrity of the counting process,” Dervishi added.
The Albanian Post, reflecting its generally pro-government editorial stance, underscored a strong showing for Rama’s Socialists based on the exit poll findings.
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