Albania’s ruling Socialists, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, appear to have secured a clear win. While Rama has promised EU membership in five years, the opposition has questioned whether the country is ready.
Preliminary election results on Tuesday show a clear victory for Albania’s ruling Socialist Party, with Prime Minister Edi Rama on his way to a fourth term in office.
The incumbents drew support from voters backing the country’s push to join the European Union and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s bid for a fourth term.
With about 96% of votes counted, Rama’s Socialists secured 52.09%, or 82 seats in the 140-seat Parliament. The opposition Democratic Party-led coalition, headed by Sali Berisha, followed with 34.44%, or 52 seats.
Albania’s ruling Socialists, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, appear to have secured a clear win. While Rama has promised EU membership in five years, the opposition has questioned whether the country is ready.
Rama, in power since 2013, had been favorite to win the election.
Preliminary election results on Tuesday show a clear victory for Albania’s ruling Socialist Party, with Prime Minister Edi Rama on his way to a fourth term in office.
The incumbents drew support from voters backing the country’s push to join the European Union and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s bid for a fourth term.
With about 96% of votes counted, Rama’s Socialists secured 52.09%, or 82 seats in the 140-seat Parliament. The opposition Democratic Party-led coalition, headed by Sali Berisha, followed with 34.44%, or 52 seats.
Three smaller parties will take the remaining seats.
The Central Election Commission says final results are due within 48 hours of voting.
Rama’s party has pledged to secure EU membership within five years — a goal Berisha and other conservatives argue Albania is not yet ready to meet.
