Albania elects, polling stations open

At 07:00, polling stations opened across the country, where Albanian citizens will cast their votes for the 11th parliamentary elections after the advent of democracy.

Over 3.7 million (3,713,761) citizens with the right to vote inside and outside Albania will exercise their right to vote in the election of representatives in parliament, as well as for the leadership of the country for the next 4 years.

Over 114 thousand (114,642) citizens will vote for the first time in these elections, while for the first time in Albania the diaspora will also vote, a process that will be carried out by mail. According to data from the Central Election Commission, more than 245 thousand people have registered to participate in this process.

In these elections, 2046 candidates are running for only 140 seats in parliament. For the first time, the CEC has signed a protocol with SPAK and the General Prosecutor's Office. The agreement provides for joint measures for the prevention, identification and prosecution of electoral crimes.

In the May 11 race, there are 11 political entities or coalitions, whose candidates are placed on open and closed lists. Each entity is competing with 186 candidates on the CEC voting list, where 46 are from the closed list.

Prime Minister Edi Rama is seeking a fourth term with a focus on European integration and the union passport, while Sali Berisha focused his campaign on the economy and government corruption.

The State Police has prepared a detailed plan of measures to ensure that the electoral process goes smoothly and without incidents.

Over 5,000 police officers are engaged in guarding election facilities for the parliamentary elections to be held this Sunday, May 11.

The blue uniforms have been taken into custody by the CEAZs since the moment the election materials were delivered to them.

There are 93 election facilities across the country where CEAZ commissions are located and 5,225 facilities that will serve as Voting Centers on election day are being taken into custody by the State Police on Saturday. (A2 Televizion)