Edi Rama Wins Fourth Term in Albania's National Election

lbania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has won a fourth consecutive term following a strong performance by his Socialist Party (PS) in Sunday's general election. With more than 94% of the votes counted, the PS has secured 52% of the national vote, maintaining a significant lead over the main opposition, the Democratic Party (PD). This result places Rama's party in a solid position to continue governing, with an expected 82 out of 140 seats in parliament.


The Democratic Party, led by former prime minister and president Sali Berisha, won 34.5% of the vote. Although it gained support in three northern provinces, it lagged behind in the rest of the country. Berisha's party is projected to hold 52 seats, with four smaller parties taking the remaining parliamentary spots.

2 months Ago By Oskar Malec


Concerns Over Election Conduct

While international observers noted that the election process was mostly well-organized and competitive, they also raised concerns about how the campaign was conducted. Reports highlighted the misuse of public resources, pressure on voters, and a lack of constructive political debate. Observers emphasized that the campaign featured personal attacks between party leaders rather than discussions about policy solutions, which may have deepened public mistrust.

Calls for electoral reform have been renewed, with observers recommending changes to prevent future misuse of institutional power and to promote more transparent and fair campaigning practices.

Rama Eyes EU Accession by 2030

Rama's victory extends his leadership at a critical time, as he continues to advocate for Albania's entry into the European Union by 2030. This ambition was a central theme of his campaign. However, some experts view the timeline as overly ambitious, particularly after a third term marked by civil unrest, accusations of corruption, and political tensions, including actions taken against Berisha.

The fourth term offers Rama a new opportunity to push forward his government's goals, though challenges remain in both domestic reform and meeting the EU's expectations for membership.

 

Stay informed with PolskieNews—your trusted source for Poland's latest updates across politics, culture, business, and world affairs. Empowering Polish readers with clear, reliable, and timely news coverage every day.

Copyright @ 2024 IBRA Digital