Albania has begun counting votes in its May 11 parliamentary election, with early results showing a strong lead for the ruling Socialist Party.
With 762 of 5,225 polling stations counted, the Socialists have secured 53.6% of the vote, or 97,434 ballots, according to preliminary data published by the Central Election Commission.
The main opposition coalition, led by the Democratic Party and the Alliance for a Great Albania, follows with 33.4%, or 60,775 votes.
Smaller parties are also registering modest support: the Social Democratic Party at 4.0%, the “Albania Becomes” coalition at 3.6%, and the “Opportunity” party at 2.5%. Other minor parties remain below the 2% mark.
Of the 189,327 votes cast in the reported centers, 181,886 have been deemed valid. Over 7,200 ballots were declared invalid.
The final result will determine the makeup of Albania’s 140-seat parliament and whether Prime Minister Edi Rama will secure a fourth term.
