Albanian Socialist Party Leads Parliamentary Elections with 79 Seats

Preliminary and exit polls in Albania's recent parliamentary elections indicate a decisive victory for Prime Minister Edi Rama's Socialist Party, which is projected to secure around 52-53% of the vote and approximately 79 out of 140 parliamentary seats. The opposition, led by Sali Berisha's Democratic Party, trails with roughly 34-38% of the vote and about 54 seats, while smaller parties are expected to share the remaining seats. Voter turnout was about 42%, slightly lower than in previous elections, with the diaspora participating by mail for the first time. The election is significant as it is Albania's first parliamentary vote since formal EU accession negotiations began, with the Socialist Party pledging to aim for EU membership within the next five years. The voting process was largely peaceful, with only minor irregularities reported that are not expected to affect the outcome. This victory positions Rama for a fourth term and reflects public support for his government's pro-EU stance amid a politically divided landscape.