Fading freedoms: democratic decline in Albania

ABSTRACT

This study examines the trajectory of Albania's democracy. Despite initial relative progress in establishing a democratic route, last decade's political developments suggest a nuanced regression. They reveal a concerning shift towards electoral authoritarianism. This research uses mixed methods to analyse key democratic indicators from 2006 to 2022. It covers electoral democracy, freedom of expression, judicial independence, and deliberative democracy. Results indicate a significant decline in the level of democracy. This trend is evidenced by the increase in vote-buying and a decrease in electoral fairness. The freedom of expression and association have also diminished, with media and civil society experiencing increased constraints. Although the judicial system shows signs of stability, its effectiveness in counterbalancing political power should increase. This analysis underscores a gradual yet discernible shift in Albania’s political landscape, highlighting the risk of solidifying authoritarian structures under the guise of democratic governance.

KEYWORDS:

• Authoritarianism
• electoral democracy
• freedom of expression
• judicial independence
• deliberative democracy

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions that greatly improved the quality of this manuscript. Special thanks are also due to Professor Jeffrey Haynes for their guidance and support throughout the review process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data utilized in this study were obtained from publicly available datasets. Access to these datasets is subject to the terms and conditions specified by the respective data providers. Interested parties may access the data directly from the sources cited.

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Juljan Myftari

Juljan Myftari is an academic scholar specializing in democratization studies. He is currently lecturing at the University of Tirana, where he engages in research and teaching on political transitions, governance, and civic engagement. With a robust background in political science and international relations, Juljan has contributed to various research projects and publications, showcasing his deep understanding of democratic processes and commitment to advancing the field through rigorous analysis.