The Mayor of Tirana, also the Socialist Party campaign leader for Tirana, has called the Democratic Party suggestion that ballot boxes from SP strongholds are being counted first a “made-up claim”.

Mayor Veliaj said that in Tirana’s Krraba and Shen Gjergj villages they had “a fantastic result, better than all parties combined”.

Speaking of the stalling of the ballot-counting process, Veliaj said it is being done purposefully. He suggested for the counting teams where the process has finished, to help in other centers where the counting is ongoing.

He urged SP supporters not to humiliate their opponents now that the counting shows a clear winner and a well-deserved victory, according to him.

“We need to send to those who think different the message that we are not here to humiliate you; we surely beat them in electoral battles but are especially at their service afterward,” Veliaj concluded.