Albanians cast ballots for general elections

By Fatjon Cuka, Furkan Abdula

TIRANA, Albania (AA) – Voters in Albania on Sunday began to hit polling stations to cast their votes for parliamentary elections.

More than 3.58 million people are eligible to vote and 5,199 polling stations have been set up to elect 140 lawmakers.

According to the Central Electoral Commission, two major coalitions are competing: 13 parties led by the largest opposition Democratic Party (PD) formed Alliance for Change, whereas four other parties established People's Union Alliance - Migration - Hour of Hope and Conservatives (ABEOK).

Besides, 10 other parties including the ruling Socialist Party (PS) and five independent candidates are also in the race. As many as 1,841 women candidates are contesting.

Measures such as social distancing, wearing masks and a ban on public gatherings are in effect, and an electronic voting system is being used in the capital Tirana.