64.6% percent of Albanians would prefer an apolitical president according to a survey conducted by Euronews Albania.
In May, the Albanian Parliament is expected to elect a new president, as Ilir Meta’s first—and most likely last—mandate draws to a close.
Parliament has full power to choose the President, after a candidate has been nominated by a group of at least 20 MPs. A three fourths majority is required for the first three rounds (84 MP votes). Should these fail, a simple majority (71 MPs) is required for the fourth and fifth attempts.
Euronews Albania’s survey reveals that 72.9% of Albanians would prefer to elect the president through a popular vote, rather than let Parliament have full authority on the matter.
There are no official candidates yet, although local media have touted the possibility of a female president. Half (51.4%) of those surveyed said the President’s gender did not matter to them, while 31.1% would prefer a woman in the post.
Ilir Meta has a 7.4% approval rating, with 73.2% of Albanians stating they hold a negative opinion of the outgoing President.
Albania has had six presidents since it became a parliamentary democracy in 1992. The survey revealed that Alfred Moisiu, who was president between 2002 and 2007, is Albanians’ favorite President with 31.7% of the votes, followed by Bamir Topi (17.9%). Here again, Meta ranked last.
Read More: Comment: Ruling Party Proposes 67 Presidential Candidates, Calls for More from Opposition
