The ruling Democratic Party of Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha was leading in parliamentary elections, preliminary results indicated Monday.

The largest opposition party, the Socialist Party of Tirana Mayor Edi Rama, trailed, the Albanian news agency ATA said.

Government and opposition leaders said the general elections were fair and could help Albania on its path to joining the European Union, Euronews.net said.

Albania joined NATO April 1 and applied to become member of the EU.

Rama said the elections Sunday were free and fair with only a few irregularities. Full results were expected to be published later Monday. However, Berisha's supporters had already begun celebrating.

About 3.1 million Albanians were eligible to vote for the 140-deputy parliament. Some 4,300 candidates representing 34 parties ran.