Edi Rama, leader of the Socialist Party, is set for a fourth term as Prime Minister of Albania. /Florion Goga/Reuters

Albania's most closely watched election in years has delivered a familiar outcome — another likely victory for Prime Minister Edi Rama. 

As ballots continue to be counted, all signs point to the ruling Socialist Party securing a fourth consecutive term, marking a major political milestone.

But while the Socialists celebrate, deeper questions are surfacing about Albania's stalled path to reform and its long-promised goal of European Union membership.

Voter turnout was lower than expected, reflecting widespread fatigue and disillusionment. Despite public frustration over corruption scandals — including multi-million euro waste management deals that sparked outrage — the opposition failed to present a united front or compelling alternative.

"This result might reflect the will of the majority," political analyst Mentor Kikia, told CGTN. "But it's also a failure of the opposition. Most people didn't vote for policy — they voted out of loyalty."

Rama's campaign leaned heavily on a bold promise: full EU membership by 2030. His party has pledged to "close all accession chapters" by 2027 — a timeline that played well on the campaign trail but raised eyebrows in Brussels. 

EU officials have stressed that reforms must come before dates, pointing to persistent issues around media freedom, judicial independence, and endemic corruption.

"Theoretically, the scandals should have triggered a protest vote," Kikia added. "But instead, the ruling party not only survived — it strengthened its grip."

For many Albanians, the dream of joining the EU remains a top national priority. But there's rising concern that Rama's growing dominance could weaken democratic institutions and political competition.

With the Socialist Party poised to lead the country into yet another term, attention is now shifting from electoral math to policy reality. Can the government turn pro-Europe promises into concrete progress? Or will the next four years bring more of the same — slogans without substance?

Final results are expected within hours. But regardless of the exact numbers, one thing is clear: Albania's future depends not just on who won — but on whether they can finally deliver on the European dream.