Albania’s incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama was on track to win his fourth term as his Socialist Party won most of the seats in weekend elections, partial results indicated on Monday, May 12th.
Albanians cast their ballots on Sunday, in legislative elections seen as key for the Balkan nation’s bid to join the European Union.
The vote was dominated by the contest between three-time premier Rama, who focused his campaign on EU integration, and right-winger Sali Berisha, from the Democratic Party of Albania.
The two 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, both of which are seen as essential requirements for Albania’s EU aspirations.
Rama’s Socialist Party won 52.8% of the vote and the Berisha-led alliance of around 20 opposition parties promising a “great Albania” 33.9%, according to partial results.
