Fateful Parliamentary Elections Have Begun In Albania

The vote is an important test on the Balkan country's path to EU membership.

Albania began elections for a unicameral parliament on May 11.

As Reuters notes, this is an important test on the Balkan country's path to European Union membership.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has headed the government since 2013 and is the leader of the Albanian Socialist Party, is hoping to be re-elected. He also announced that his main goal remains the country's accession to the EU by 2030. However, many young voters are tired of politicians who have dominated the country for more than three decades, journalists said.

Rama's main rival is Salli Berisha, a former president and prime minister of Albania and leader of the Conservative Party. He heads an opposition alliance and is running in the election with the slogan Greater Albania. According to journalists, Berisha seeks to return to power after 12 years of opposition activity.

DW specifies that Berisha is under close scrutiny by Albanian law enforcers due to corruption allegations. In 2021, the US imposed sanctions on him over suspicions of bribery and illicit enrichment.

According to pre-election polls, the favorite is the Socialist Party, for which up to 49% of voters are ready to vote, while the Conservative Party is supported by about 35%.

The preliminary results of the elections will be announced within two days.

The Albanian National Assembly consists of 140 deputies elected by proportional representation.

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