Albanian presidential election

The Court of Appeals on April 15 once again failed to elect a new president in the 16th round of the election that has been underway since the end of March, finding itself in a deadlock.

The Albanian parliament failed to elect a new president on Wednesday after Prime Minister Edi Rama's governing Socialists decided not to offer a candidate in the first round of voting.

Albania's parliament will complete the first round of electing a new President on Wednesday afternoon, even though no candidate will be up for a vote.

The deadline for Albania to complete judicial reforms needed to open European Union accession negotiations is close to expiring, with only one month left before the constitutional changes required for the reform can pass through parliament.

Albania's left-wing governing coalition scored a massive victory in last Sunday's local elections, winning about 62 per cent of the vote, while international observers raised concerns about allegations of vote-buying and intimidation.