Albania heads to polls after peaceful campaign, PM Berisha facing strong challenge

TIRANA, Albania – Political parties in Albania are entering their final day of campaigning for Sunday's general elections, considered a test for the Balkan country to shed its history of troubled campaigns as it seeks closer ties and eventual membership in the European Union.

Conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha, 68, is seeking a third term and will speak at his Democratic Party's main election rally Friday in the capital Tirana.

He is facing a strong challenge from 48-year-old Socialist Edi Rama, whose campaign has concentrated on the enduring levels of poverty in the country that has 3.3 million registered voters.

The monthlong election contest has been relatively calm, unlike past elections that were frequently marred by violence.