1991 Albanian presidential election

1991 Albanian presidential election

30 April 1991 (1991-04-30)
 
Candidate Ramiz Alia

President before election

Ramiz Alia as Chairman of the Presidium of the People's Assembly
PPSh

Elected President

Ramiz Alia
PPSh

The 1991 Albanian presidential election marked the second presidential election held on 30 April 1991 in Albania. The transition from the communist regime to a multi-party democracy culminated in the 1991 parliamentary elections, following the death of Enver Hoxha and growing discontent under his successor, Ramiz Alia. The Democratic Party's emergence and subsequent electoral success, alongside protests in response to the results, led to the adoption of a provisional constitution on 29 April 1991, establishing Albania as a parliamentary republic and reintroducing the presidency one day before Alia was elected. Following the elections, Albania experienced significant political upheaval, social unrest, and economic hardship under President Alia, culminating in widespread strikes led by independent trade unions demanding better wages and conditions. The resignation of prime minister Fatos Nano on 4 June, and subsequent government failures, including a severe food shortage that sparked panic and looting, fueled mass emigration as discontent grew, ultimately leading to the Democratic Party's decisive victory in the 1992 elections and Alia's resignation.