Albania's count to be completed soon, unclear when results come out due to political dispute

TIRANA, Albania – The opposition Socialists are holding their lead as counting continues in Albania's election but a dispute over the makeup of the Central Election Commission could leave the outcome up in the air.

Despite a shooting which left one dead, international monitors noted overall improvements in Albania's election — seen as key test for the country's hopes for closer ties with the European Union.

With about 75 percent of the national vote counted on Tuesday, CEC figures show the Socialists' coalition taking 52 percent while the Democrats of Prime Minister Sali Berisha had 36 percent, 12 points less than four years ago.

Because of Albania's voting system, the popular vote does not directly translate into the number of seats each party will get in the 140-member Parliament.