section_path: Campaign incidents/Allegations of vote buying from PS
section_name: Allegations of vote buying from PS
paragraph_text: Allegations of vote buying from PS
  
  On 11 May 2025, the Democratic Party accused the Socialist Party of operating a vote-buying scheme from an office in Tirana linked to its network of patronage activists. The event was broadcast live on Syri Television, showing alleged PS activists using the place to pressure voters and give benefits for political support. Belind Këlliçi, the Political Leader of the Democratic Party for Tirana County, publicly called for immediate police intervention; however, the police reportedly arrived approximately two hours later.By the time law enforcement reached the scene, several activists and the Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe had already fled the premises, allegedly taking materials with them. Among those identified at the scene was Ledi Imeraj, Director of the National Innovation Agency.Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe was accused not only of protecting the alleged patronage operation but also of using violence against journalist Ambrozia Meta during the live broadcast.Although the police stated that no compromising or illegal materials were found during the search—conducted in the presence of representatives from both political parties—all individuals present were escorted to Police Station No. 2 for questioning. Statements and formal complaints were filed by representatives of both parties.The Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) opened an investigation into the case.