Albanian Parties Launch

Sali BerishaAlbania’s main political parties officially kicked off their electoral campaigns on Thursday, beginning the countdown for June 28 elections - a key vote for the country's EU aspirations.

In a rally at the University of Tirana campus, where two decades ago students launched a series of protests that would spell the end of Albania’s communist regime, Socialist leader Edi Rama called on Albanians to vote for change on June 28.

“I call on you to take part in the change of the country with your vote, a change that goes beyond the left and the right,” Rama said, addressing a crowd of opposition supporters. “I call upon all that want new politics, better schools, more work, more infrastructure and a better quality of life to turn the page of history,” he added.

Rama's arch rival, Prime Minister Sali Berisha, launched his campaign by promising a gathering of women greater representation in the government. “The next four years will be the years of the development of the country,” said Berisha. “During my new mandate I will draft a legal framework to support women in opening businesses, increasing their access to labor and the highest echelons of the administration,” he added.

Since the collapse of Albania's communist regime, elections have been marred by irregularities and vote-rigging, hampering the country's European Union integration. As such, many observers view the June 28 ballot as an opportunity for the Albanian political classes to improve their image and demonstrate their legitimacy.