Tirana, Albania (CNN) -- Tension escalated in the Albanian capital Thursday as opposition members clashed with police outside the building where a commission is still counting votes from a local election that was seen as a crucible for stability in the Balkan nation. Members of the opposition Socialist Party attempted to enter the commission building by force. Police pushed them back. Protests also erupted in three other towns, including Kavaja, where roads were blocked and people burned tires. At issue is a razor-thin Tirana mayoral race in which the head of the opposition, Edi Rama, held only a 10-vote lead. A final vote tabulation by the Central Election Committee could tip the results of the May 8 vote in favor of the government candidate, former Interior Minister Lulzim Basha.
@highlight
Clashes erupt at the central election panel, which is tabulating votes
@highlight
The Socialist Party mayor holds a 10-vote lead
@highlight
But a final count could tip the vote in favor of the government candidate
@highlight
Political tension has run high in Albania since a 2009 disputed election
But @placeholder remained in contention after a monthlong campaign leading up to the vote was marred by violence, including explosions, stabbings, beatings and threats.