Albanian elections a test for EU membership

(Vatican Radio)  Voters in Albania are going to the polls in local municipal elections that are seen as a test whether the Balkan nation can become a full member of the European Union. Regional correspondent Stefan Bos reports that the ballot is closely watched by the EU after previous votes were overshadowed by violence and other incidents. 

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos:

Though Albania was granted EU candidate status, getting approval for the launch of full membership negotiations will in part depend on whether the Balkan nation can organize free and fair elections.

That's why as many as 200 international observers are monitoring Sunday's 7th municipal vote since the  country shrugged of Communism more than two decades ago. 

The EU's enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn has made clear that Brussels closely monitors the ballot in post-communist Albania, as they have always suffered from violence or manipulation and political squabbling. 

The work on reforms must be developed in the form of an inclusive dialogue to meet citizens needs and concerns. We also reiterated expectations that the upcoming local elections are conducted in line with international standards. 

TIRANA BALLOT

The focus is for the mayor of the capital Tirana, where the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Edi Rama's Socialists has nominated former social affairs minister Erion Veliaj. The opposition led by outgoing Mayor Lulzim Basha's Democrats has parliamentarian Halim Kosova as its candidate. 

After casting their ballots, both leaders — Rama and Basha, urged Albania's 3.4 eligible voters to participate in the elections. About 6,000 police officers were deployed near 5,300 polling stations. Additionally and hundreds of army special troops were guarding government buildings and embassies. 

Official results are expected within three days.