Nation votes as PM Rama seeks 4th term

Albanians headed to the polls yesterday to decide whether to grant Prime Minister Edi Rama a fourth term or back his longstanding rival, in an election seen as critical to the country's European Union ambitions.

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The international community views the vote as a test of Albania's fragile democratic institutions, following a bitter and divisive campaign between Mr Rama and fellow political veteran Sali Berisha.

More than 2,000 domestic and international observers were deployed to monitor voting, which took place between 7am and 7pm.

A smooth electoral process is considered especially important for Albania — the most pro-EU country in the region — which waited 13 years before accession negotiations officially began in July 2022.

This election also marks a milestone, with members of the diaspora voting for the first time. Emigration, particularly among young and educated Albanians seeking higher wages, has led many to settle in countries such as Germany and Italy.