Albania approves electoral code reform to boost EU prospects

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania’s parliament has approved electoral law changes designed to prevent vote manipulation, which is a key condition for the country to start negotiations to join the European Union. Lawmakers present in the 140-seat house voted 97-15 in favor of the amendments and 5 abstained. They also selected new officials at the country’s top electoral commission. Changes include a 1 percent threshold for political parties to enter parliament. The new electoral co