3 July 2005 -- Albanians are casting ballots today in parliamentary elections seen as a key test of the country's postcommunist institutions.
Prime Minister Fatos Nano's Socialists and the opposition Democratic Party of former president Sali Berisha are expected to secure most of the 140 seats to be filled.
Officials said turnout was 32 percent by the early afternoon.
Erton Sinani, a spokesman of the Central Election Commission, said voting was being held "calmly and normally."
But local monitors said they were investigating reports of voting without identification documents as well as multiple voting and voting in groups.
Security is tight, with some 6,400 police deployed at 4,700 polling stations. Polls are due to close at 7 p.m. local time. Official results are expected tomorrow.
(AP)
See also:
Albanians Prepare To Elect A New Parliament
Officials said turnout was 32 percent by the early afternoon.
Erton Sinani, a spokesman of the Central Election Commission, said voting was being held "calmly and normally."
But local monitors said they were investigating reports of voting without identification documents as well as multiple voting and voting in groups.
Security is tight, with some 6,400 police deployed at 4,700 polling stations. Polls are due to close at 7 p.m. local time. Official results are expected tomorrow.
(AP)
See also:
Albanians Prepare To Elect A New Parliament