Edi Rama Seeks Unprecedented Fourth Term in Albanian Elections Amid EU Push and Corruption Claims

Albanians cast their votes Sunday as PM Edi Rama seeks a fourth term, with EU dreams and corruption allegations setting the tone for a high-stakes election.

Albanians voted in parliamentary elections on Sunday with prime minister Edi Rama seeking an unprecedented fourth term after a campaign dominated by promises to join the European Union and accusations of widespread corruption.

Polling stations closed at 7 p.m, but results will be published by Tuesday, said the head of the Election Commission Ilirjan Celibashi. Three TV stations told Reuters they had decided not to release exit polls, citing procedural or legal issues.

One exit poll, for the Tirana-based news portal Albanian Post and the Kosovo-based Klan Kosova TV, showed Rama's party getting 51.8% of the vote or 79 seats in the 140-seat house and Berisha 38% or 54 seats. Berisha said the poll was pro-Rama.

Opinion polls have shown Rama winning up to 50% of the vote and Berisha up to 35%. Rama may need help from smaller parties to maintain his parliamentary majority.

Rama, in power as head of the Socialist Party (PS) since 2013, is favorite to win against his old rival, former prime minister Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party (PD), bolstered in part by an influential network built over 12 years in power, a recent period of healthy economic growth and a largely popular image abroad.

Rama has spent the last week reiterating his promise to join the EU by the end of the decade, although some experts doubt that timeline will be possible given the reforms required to join the bloc, including eradicating graft.

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