Low turnout on Sunday's local elections

Mayoral and town hall elections were held in Albania on Sunday, but the country’s opposition did not participate in them following a political crisis which has been lasting for over five months.

According to the country’s Central Election Commission, turnout in these elections was around 21%.

Once polling stations had closed, leader of opposition and chairman of the Democratic Party, Lulzim Basha said that these elections proved that the prime minister had even lost the support of his own party.

On the other hand, prime minister Edi Rama declared that the elections were a success and that the people of the country would never allow a political party to prevent them from electing their representatives. The head of the government also thanked the international community for the support given during this time.

Meanwhile, ballot counting has ended in 24 municipalities in the country and as it was expected, the ruling Socialist Party has won in all 24 of them.