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EU hopes at stake in Albania poll Albanians vote in tight election
(about 8 hours later)
Albanians are voting in a general election on Sunday in what is being seen as a test of the country's democratic credentials. Albanians are voting in a general election that is being seen as a test of the nation's democratic credentials.
Brussels has called for a free and fair poll if Albania is to move further towards European Union integration. Polls predict a tight race between PM Sali Berisha and his Socialist rival, Edi Rama, who both promise to boost the economy and bring Albania into the EU.
A range of issues have dominated the campaign, but surveys show that the economy dominates voters' concerns. Hundreds of international observers are monitoring the vote to avoid any repeat of problems seen in earlier polls.
After over 45 years of isolation under Communist rule, the country's economy has slowly rebuilt itself. A spokesman for the OSCE, Europe's human rights and security watchdog, said polling was going well.
Albania hasn't been as hard hit by the global recession as many European countries, but the progress is still dramatic. "So far it has been relative calm," said Robert Bosch, head of the OSCE's Albanian office.
Polls opened at 0500GMT and will close at 1700GMT. "There are some irregularities but this time less than in past elections."
Observers watching Polls are due to close at 1700 GMT.
After annual economic growth of over 6% in the last few years, the International Monetary Fund is projecting a drop for 2009 to between zero and 1%, caused mainly by a huge fall in exports. Economy concerns
There were reports that a member of staff at a polling station had been threatened with a firearm, and some people said their names had not appeared on registration lists at their allocated place of voting.
ELECTION FACTS Four coalitions contesting voteProportional representation systemParliament has 140 seatsFour year mandate Corruption key to Albania pollELECTION FACTS Four coalitions contesting voteProportional representation systemParliament has 140 seatsFour year mandate Corruption key to Albania poll
And while the main candidates have made promises on tackling corruption, investing in infrastructure and pushing forward on the path to the European Union, the economy is dominating voters' concerns. But so far the election has passed off relatively peacefully, the BBC's Mark Lowen in Tirana says.
This election will be watched keenly by the large observer mission here - the country's aspirations for EU accession are at stake if the conduct of the poll fails to meet international standards. Brussels has called for a free and fair poll if Albania is to move further towards EU integration.
A range of issues have been raised during the campaign but surveys show that the economy is uppermost in voters' concerns, our correspondent says.
After more than 45 years of isolation under Communist rule, the country's economy has slowly rebuilt itself.
Albania has not been as hard-hit by the global recession as many European countries but is still expecting a sharp drop in annual growth, our correspondent adds.