An incident broke out at Counting Center No. 40 in Tirana, where observers from the Opportunity Party (Partia Mundësia) claimed that their votes were being stolen. Officials at the KZAZ (Local Election Commission) ordered their removal, and police intervened to forcibly eject the party’s observers.

The clash occurred after observers demanded clarification about seven Opportunity Party ballots that were declared invalid. They alleged that valid votes were being unjustly annulled, while KZAZ officials stated that the ballots were deemed invalid because they had a slightly different color than the standard format.

Police also removed observers from other political parties, effectively clearing the counting hall, and media representatives were likewise instructed to leave the premises.

Opportunity Party leader Agron Shehaj, who was present at the scene, addressed the vice chairman of KZAZ No. 40, saying:

“We were told that seven Opportunity Party votes were declared invalid. Then we were told it was only three. We would like to understand the reason, and now we’ve also been ordered to leave.”

The vice chairman of KZAZ responded:

“We ordered the removal of disruptive individuals. At counting table number 4, we found several ballots with different coloring or formatting. These ballots belonged to the Opportunity Party—seven in total—but three were separated due to distinct color and format. The party may file a complaint, and the ballots can be re-evaluated by the Central Election Commission.”

Shehaj replied:

“You are removing Opportunity Party votes just because you don’t like that they’re marked for our party. You cannot invalidate ballots simply because of how they look. You are stealing citizens’ votes, and you will be held accountable. This is a criminal act.”

The vice chairman of KZAZ No. 40 concluded:

“All observers will be removed as they are obstructing the vote-counting process.”