TIRANA, Albania
Citizens head to the polls Sunday to elect 61 mayors as well as municipal council members in Albania's seventh local elections.
According to the Central Election Commission of Albania, a total of 3,370,206 citizens are eligible to cast their ballots to choose among 157 mayoral candidates from 63 political parties.
Polling stations are open at 7.00 a.m. (0500GMT) and will be closed at 7.00 p.m. (1700GMT).
The races mailnly pits the ruling Alliance for European Albania led by the Socialist Party against the opposing National Union for Work and Dignity.
The Albanian police have increased security measures, deploying around 5,960 police officers during election day.
A large number of international observers, including representatives of the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) are monitoring the voting process.
Representatives of the EU delegation are to visit several polling stations including those in the capital Tirana, in Vlora and in Shkoder.
