France, May 11 -- Albanians head to the polls on Sunday for legislative elections seen as crucial to gauging the country's democratic development, and its progress towards its goal of a European future.

The election pits Prime Minister Edi Rama against his arch-rival Sali Berisha, a right-winger who heads an alliance of opposition parties.

Rama, 60, has been Socialist Party leader since 2005 and is seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term on the promise of European Union membership by 2030.

Berisha, 80, is eager to return to power after 12 years in opposition.

The former president's coalition has adopted the Donald Trump-esque slogan - "Great Albania", and is campaigning on a platform of economic revival.

"We are the only one...