With only 100 ballot stations left to be counted, the SP has already kicked off celebrations as thousands of supporters gathered at the main square. The difference by around 140.000 votes gave enough confidence to the Socialists for an early proclamation of victory, becoming the first political force to secure a third term in post-Communist Albania.

“This is the most difficult, but also the largest and most beautiful victory of the Socialist Party of Albania. Despite the bewildering number of invalid ballots, we broke our record. This is a historic record of this team of ordinary people that achieved extraordinary things”, Rama said.

“I am proud more than ever for Albanians, that through their wisdom and decisiveness overcame a major personality test in such a challenging moment for Albania”, Rama said. “The victory is all yours”.

The Albanian premier also conveyed a message to his political rivals and said that the only opposition for the Socialists is the Democratic Party.

The leader of the Socialist Party Edi Rama called on his political opponent Lulzim Basha to accept election results. Rama reiterated previous declarations made during the campaign for a “different governance approach in cooperation with the opposition”.

“My sincerest message for Basha is this: admit to the defeat with dignity and conviction that you couldn’t do what you wanted, but you did what you could. With or without Basha, our only opposition is the DP and our major victory doesn’t make us smaller, but instead, it makes us so great that we extend our hand for a sincere and free of prejudice collaboration with the DP. I want to be Prime Minister of all Albanians, not only of the Socialists but of the Democrats, too”, said Rama.