The central election body underlined that the figure is based on reports from 3010 out of 5225 polling stations across Albania. Data show that a total of 1022003 voters have cast their votes as of 7 pm.

The north-eastern Albanian region led the voter turnout with 50.10, followed by Tirana that saw 48.73% participation, Kukës 46.15%,Fier 42.02%, Elbasan 42.13%, Korça 40.91%, Lezhë 41.56%, Durrës 40.53% and Berat 39.55%.

The regions of Gjirokaster, Shkoder and Vlore have recorded the lowest voter turnout so far with 39.23%, 36.78 and 31.49% respectively.

More than 3.7 million Albanians are eligible to vote in the country’s 11th general election since the fall of communism. For the first time, nearly 246,000 registered diaspora voters are taking part.

Vote counting has begun, with final results expected in the coming days.

/u.sh/