TIRANA: Albanians go to the polls on Sunday for legislative elections seen as crucial to gauge the country's democratic development and determine its widely held goal of a European future. The vote — a first of its kind, as Albanians abroad can take part — pits outgoing Prime Minister Edi Rama against his arch-rival Sali Berisha, a right-winger who heads an alliance of opposition parties.
Rama, 60, has been Socialist Party leader since 2005 and is seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term on a promise of European Union membership by 2030. The doors to Brussels, he says, are the key to "being able to give Albanians a European passport" and allowing them to "benefit from the same rights as citizens of all other European countries".
Trying to stop Rama is Berisha, 80, who is eager to return to power after 12 years in opposition. "We are the only ones who can relaunch the country's economy, the only ones able to take Albania forward. Edi Rama is counting the last days of his regime," said Berisha. — AFP
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