Key election today

TIRANA, Albania (AP):Political campaigning stopped in Albania yesterday, 24 hours before parliamentary elections that are considered a crucial test for its ambitions for closer ties and eventual membership in the European Union.

Prime Minister Sali Berisha, 68, is seeking a third term but faces a strong challenge from Socialist leader Edi Rama, 48.

Both pledge to improve the people's lives, fight corruption and crime and take one of Europe's poorest countries into the European Union, which is pressing for broader democratic reforms and an improved election record.

The monthlong election contest has been relatively calm, unlike past elections that were frequently marred by violence, vote-rigging and intimidation.

However, there have been reports of civil servants and even schoolchildren being pressured to attend pro-government rallies.

Today, some 3.3 million eligible voters will choose in a regional proportional system among more than 6,900 candidates from 66 political parties who run for 140 parliamentary seats.