In a closely monitored president election set to test the country’s path to EU citizenship, Albanians cast their ballots Sunday to elect either three-time Prime Minister Edi Rama or far-right opposition leader Sali Berisha to take on Albania’s economic challenges and political corruption.
Albanians voted Sunday to decide whether to give Prime Minister Edi Rama a fourth term or side with his longstanding rival in an election seen as crucial for the country’s European Union ambitions.
A total of 3.7 million voters, 140 seats at stake, and around forty parties contested in this proportional election, which was dominated by the contest between Edi Rama, a socialist, and Sali Berisha from the right-wing Democratic Party.
They campaigned mainly on economic issues such as pensions, wages, infrastructure and tourism. But there were bitter exchanges too on the fight against corruption and organised crime, seen as essential requirements for Albania’s EU bid.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) put the turnout at 41.17 percent, and CEC chief Ilirjan Celibashi said: “The election was generally conducted in line with the required norms and standards.”
Briefing journalists in Tirana shortly after polling stations closed at 7:00 pm (1700 GMT), he said the first results were expected on Tuesday.
“We must remain calm and patient during the transparent, closely monitored vote count,” he added.
His key pledge is to secure EU membership by 2030.
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