The Impact of Digital Information Disorder on Voting Rights in Albania: A Constitutional and Electoral Law Analysis

Abstract

This article examines the impact of digital information disorder on the effective exercise of the right to vote in Albania and compares Albania’s legal framework with those of Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. This research is founded on the assertion that the right to vote, safeguarded by both the Constitution of Albania and international human rights legislation, includes not merely the formal opportunity to cast a ballot but also the capacity of citizens to develop political preferences in a manner that is free, independent, and informed by accurate and trustworthy information. The rapid expansion of digital communication platforms, algorithmically curated content, online disinformation, misinformation, coordinated influence campaigns, and opaque political advertising has introduced new obstacles against electoral integrity and democratic governance. Using a doctrinal and comparative legal methodology, the article analyzes the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, the Electoral Code, legislation governing audiovisual and electronic communications, data protection rules, and relevant international standards, including the European Convention on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Venice Commission guidelines, and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. It further examines election observation reports, regulatory responses, and emerging legislative developments in Albania and selected Western Balkan states. The findings indicate that Albania’s electoral legislation remains largely oriented toward traditional media environments and does not adequately address contemporary digital threats to electoral rights. Significant regulatory gaps persist regarding online campaign transparency, political microtargeting, algorithmic amplification, platform accountability, and foreign digital influence. Comparative analysis demonstrates that similar challenges exist across the Western Balkans, although recent reforms in neighboring states provide useful lessons for Albania. The article concludes that specific modifications to the electoral code, improved regulatory supervision, and more robust protections for information integrity are essential to safeguard the effective implementation of voting rights and maintain the democratic constitutional framework in the digital era in Albania.

Received: 20 February 2026  │  Accepted: 10 June 2026  │  Published: 23 July 2026