Prime Minister Edi Rama is seeking a fourth term as Albania's head of government in elections on Sunday after a tense campaign that focused on the country's difficult efforts to join the European Union.
Mr Rama's Socialist Party says it can secure EU membership within five years by delivering on an ambitious promise while countering conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of higher wages.
The ability for voters abroad to vote for the first time has brought an element of instability, along with the emergence of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and the recent ban on TikTok. Mr Rama’s opponents have hired an experienced US consultant to lead their campaign.
The country of 2.8 million people and 3.7 million voters, including the diaspora who will be able to vote by mail for the first time, will elect 140 officials for four-year terms from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groups, including three coalitions.
As of 10 a.m., three hours after polling stations opened, turnout was 13.15 percent, according to the Central Electoral Commission — slightly lower than four years ago. Polls will close at 7 p.m., and results will be known within the next 48 hours, in accordance with electoral law.
Mr Rama, 60, secured the start of EU accession talks last October and has been banking heavily on the momentum. His campaign has focused on achievements in infrastructure and reform of the justice system.
Under the party's slogan “Albania 2030 in the EU, only with EDI and SP,” Mr Rama argues that full EU membership is possible by 2030 with annual funding of €1 billion ($1.13 billion) after accession.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas calls on Albania to continue implementing reforms, particularly in the areas of public administration and the fight against corruption, so that the country can continue on its path to EU membership.
Commentators are also skeptical. “This is an election promise that is the desire of citizens,” says independent analyst Alexander Chipa, describing Rama’s timetable as “unrealistic.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
