The Assembly of Albania has started around 18:00 the session for the voting of the new President.

Candidate Bajram Begaj will be voted by secret ballot.

According to the Constitution, Begaj must receive at least 71 votes to be elected President.

Present in the hall are the deputies of the ruling majority as well as a part of the opposition.

There are currently 26 opposition MPs present, including those from the PD, LSI and minor allies.

Candidate Begaj is also present in the Assembly.

Shortly after the start of the session, former Prime Minister Berisha asked for the floor for procedure but this was rejected by the Speaker of Parliament, Lindita Nikolla.

This led to the abandonment of the session by a part of the opposition deputies.

Speaking outside the Assembly hall, Berisha said that the voting is done in violation of the Constitution

"Article 167 of the Constitution stipulates that an active military can not be appointed or elected to duties other than the army," said Berisha.