Voting for selecting Democratic Party (PD) mayoral candidates ahead of next year’s local elections took place across Albania, a first for the Western Balkan country.
More than 50,000 party members and supporters were invited to vote for candidates of the largest opposition party in 61 municipal districts. Regional elections are set to be held in May 2023.
Thousands lined up in voting places in the morning hours of Sunday and despite few claims for irregularities, the voting has been orderly and peaceful.
DP has not provided the official numbers, but it’s estimated that more than 150 candidates are in contention in all municipalities. In the capital Tirana, the country’s most populous and with the largest economy, there are seven candidates up for selection.
A two-round system is being employed—the winner needs to receive more than 50% of the vote in the first round, otherwise, a second round of voting will be held among the two top candidates from the first round.
The results of this Sunday’s vote are expected in the next two days.
This is the first time in the political history of Albania that candidates for elected office are being chosen by party members and supporters through primary voting within the party.
Source: euractiv.com
