Celibashi said that the process continues normally throughout the country.

However, head of the CEC pointed at 8 polling stations that were opened later than the fixed time.

“All the polling stations are actually opened. The observers have been present”, said Celibashi.

Celibashi said that, “In 6% of the polling stations there have been some interruptions of the process for technical and logistical reasons; but the situation was then stabilized with the intervention of the CEC”.

Regarding electronic identification, Celibashi said that, “There are 4 polling stations in which identification is being done manually. We appreciate the process is normal for the time being”, said Celibashi.

Regarding electronic voting in the municipality of Vora and in municipal unit number 10 in Tirana, Celibashi said that, “The reports we have received show that the process is going smoothly; there have not been reported any problems regarding the function of the device or other problems that could affect the voting process.”/m.q/ /a.g/p.s./

In support of the most recent changes to the Electoral Code, the CEC continues the preparatory work for enabling the exercise of the right to vote for citizens living outside the territory of Albania, in the upcoming elections for the Assembly of 2025.

State Commissioner for Elections Ilirjan Celibashi wrote  in a post in the social media that, “The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the technical aspects of the voting process from abroad for the modalities and deadlines of sending ballots and any other election materials through the postal service “.

Celibashi stated that, “We considered this preliminary meeting necessary and fruitful in order to clarify the rules that will regulate this process, especially with the aim of ensuring integrity, public trust and transparency in the following procedures”.

The recent changes to the Electoral Code have already paved the way for the voting process from abroad for the elections for the Assembly of Albania in 2025.

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However, the voting process is extended in all the polling stations were voters are still on queue waiting to cast their ballot.

The polling stations opened across Himara municipality at 07:00hrs and closed at 19:00hrs.

The election sees Vangjel Tavo from the Socialist Party up against Petro Gjikuria from the opposition’s “Together We Win” coalition.

The number of registered voters in Himara Municipality is 23,074.

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However, in a press statement, Celibashi explained that if there are voters in a polling station after the official deadline, the election commission at that station should record their names and allow them to cast their ballot.

“No other polling station will remain open after the voting process completes, except for the cases when people are there waiting to vote at 7 p.m.” he said.

According to the head of the central election commission, the voter turnout in 4497 polling stations across the country is 31.42%.

Celibashi noted that the low number of reports over irregularities show that the process went well.

“However, the media reports suggest that there are some problems. In my opinion, the process as a whole can be considered normal, and I don’t think the identified irregularities make the whole process problematic,” he said.

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“Even the fans of Juventus who have not voted yet,  I call on them to go out and cast the ballot”, she added.

“The Socialist Party calls on the citizens to go out and cast the ballot. Each of us who votes want and deserve an even better Albania. Vote counts a lot! The vote decides a lot! The vote determines more than anything else our common future!”, she said. /a.i/

The candidates for mayor who are competing are Bardh Spahia of the “Together We Win” coalition and Benet Beci of the Socialist Party.

According to CEC data, voter turnout in Shkodra until 16:00 is 29.53%, in 134 out a total of 247 polling stations reported.//a.i/

Minister Krifca called on the citizens to vote en masse in the local elections, which are taking place today throughout the country.

“I call on everyone to go out and exercise their right to vote, today is the right day to make the voice of the citizens heard,” Krifca said on Facebook.

The minister invited all citizens to cast their ballot, while emphasizing that the vote is everyone’s power to choose those we want to move projects forward.

“Let’s all gather as a community and elect those we want to move the projects of our 61 municipalities forward. This is the right day to show that democracy is stronger when everyone participates to build a stronger future”, Krifca said. //a.i/

“Today is the day when politicians remain silent and the citizens speak. To exercise the right to vote and to elect the governance of cities in the next 4 years. Today’s vote is important for the development of the community and the city where we live, any citizen has the opportunity to be part of the decision-making”, Manastirliu said in a message to the citizens after the vote.

“I am convinced that with calmness and wisdom the citizens will make the right choice for the future of our children and to advance the transformation of Tirana and Albania”, she said.//a.i/

After the voting process, in a statement to the media, Nikolla said that, today is the day when politicians remain silent and the people speak.

She called on the citizens to exercise this right to elect mayors and municipal representatives.

“Today is the day when politicians remain silent and the people speak to exercise their constitutional right to elect. I wish that the citizens massively exercise this right to elect mayors and municipal representatives”, Nikolla said.

Nikolla also sent a message to the politicians, to exercise their right to vote as citizens, and turn this day into a celebration of democracy.//a.i/

In a statement to the media after the vote, Veliaj said that it is very important for citizens to go out and vote.

He also called on those who could not vote in the morning, due to problems with the electronic identification system, to go out again to exercise the right to vote.

“It is very important that we all vote. The fate of the city for the next 4 years, the fate of our children, the city’s projects are in question. It is very important that everyone to vote and have the opportunity to make voice heard, and the decision making then guide us”, Veliaj said.

“I want to thank the other five candidates, wish them good health in their families. The race is now over, tomorrow we will return to Tirana as citizens, who all want the best of this city and the best of our families. I wish them much success, but I also thank all citizens, regardless of their political beliefs, because it was one of the quietest campaigns”, he added. //a.i/