Lezha is divided by a handful of votes, tension reaches a physical clash between Noka and Balla. Mziu is stopped by Celibashi (VIDEO)

High tension at the Olympic Park as the Diaspora votes are being counted. This is because the Lezha district has been divided by a handful of votes between the two major parties, heading into a photo-finish.

This seems to have inflamed tensions, and after the earlier debate between DP representatives, Jorida Tabaku and Gjin Gjoni, and Chief Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi over 50 votes that they claimed were excessive in the final ballot boxes, there were also heated arguments between representatives of the two parties.

At one point, it was the leader of the Socialist Party for the Diaspora, Taulant Balla, who contested a ballot at the Lezha district booth, which ignited the reaction of the Democrats in the hall, causing tension to the point of physical confrontation.

In the end, it was the right-wingers who rejoiced, as the counting of the last Diaspora ballots was greeted with applause from the DP legislators and observers in the hall.

But as the celebrations began in the democratic camp, Flamur Noka blocked the path of MP Taulant Balla and after exchanging words, began to push him with his hands.

The intervention of those present prevented further tensions and clashes. However, MP Xhelal Mziu attempted to physically clash with Balla, but the democrat was stopped by Chief Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi, who grabbed him by the jacket.

The situation then calmed down. Both sides accepted the result, while there were jokes and handshakes between the parties. Socialist Kadeli congratulated Gjin Gjoni on his victory.

With this result, the DP manages to maintain its victory in three northern districts: Lezhë, Shkodër and Kukës.