PERCEIVED ELECTORAL FRAUD AND POLITICAL POLARISATION IN POST-COMMUNIST ALBANIA

Abstract

This dissertation examines the intricate relationship between electoral fraud and partisan polarisation in post-communist Albania, a nation where democratic institutions are still grappling with the legacies of authoritarian rule. Over the past three decades, Albania’s electoral system has evolved amid persistent challenges, with electoral fraud emerging as a critical barrier to democratic consolidation and public trust. This study seeks to unravel the complex dynamics that link electoral fraud to the deepening political divisions within the country. Employing a robust mixed-methods approach, this research integrates historical institutional analysis with a comprehensive survey of Albanian voters. This unique methodology allows for a deep exploration of how perceptions and personal experiences of electoral fraud fuel partisan polarisation. The study meticulously traces the evolution of electoral fraud from Albania’s first multi-party elections in 1991 to the recent 2021 elections, shedding light on how fraudulent practices have distorted electoral outcomes, entrenched political loyalties, and exacerbated societal divisions. The dissertation’s findings reveal that electoral fraud in Albania is not merely a procedural flaw but a deeply ingrained political strategy that reinforces partisan identities and undermines democratic engagement. This study significantly contributes to the broader discourse on post-communist democratisation by highlighting the crucial link between electoral integrity and political polarisation. Importantly, it offers both theoretical insights and practical recommendations for strengthening electoral processes in transitional democracies, thereby providing a roadmap for policymakers and practitioners. In this comprehensive examination, the dissertation underscores the pressing need to address electoral fraud in Albania. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts political stability and democratic resilience.