section_path: Electoral system/Election date
section_name: Election date
paragraph_text: Election date
  
  According to the constitution, parliamentary elections in Albania are required to be conducted no later than 60 days and no earlier than 30 days prior to the expiration of the parliament's mandate. On 11 October 2024, commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi of the Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve (KQZ) recommended the period between 20 April and 11 May 2025, as the most appropriate timeframe for the upcoming parliamentary elections. On 11 November 2024, President Bajram Begaj procedurally initiated consultations to determine the election date for the elections, inviting representatives from the Coalition for Reforms, Integration, and Consolidated Institutions (KRIIK) to the Presidenca.
  
  Following on 19 November, Begaj held the first round of consultations with leaders of smaller opposition parties, who proposed 4 May as the most suitable election date. This suggestion was made in light of the anticipated European Political Community Summit in Tirana on 9 May, with leaders arguing that holding elections before the summit would prevent potential electoral manipulation. Begaj described the consultations as the beginning of a transparent and constructive electoral process. He emphasised that the decision regarding the election date should be based on the best interests of voters, following a balanced, open debate with input from a wide range of political and institutional actors. The Democratic Party declined to participate in consultations with Begaj. The Freedom Party accepted the invitation, with Tedi Blushi and Erisa Xhixho requesting that the President decree any election date permitted by the Electoral Code, except the one proposed by Taulant Balla of the Socialist Party. Basha refrained from proposing a specific date but emphasised that the primary focus should be on election standards rather than the date itself. On 25 November, Begaj concluded the consultation process and highlighted the importance of the process, stating that the discussions were guided by the best interests of the voters rather than narrow political calculations. Conclusively, on 5 December, Begaj announced that the 2025 elections would be scheduled for 11 May 2025.