As election day approaches The participation of all parties in the elections places greater responsibility on the authorities to ensure that the elections are conducted normally Even after several back-and-forth moves between participating in and boycotting the elections, the Socialists seem to have finally decided to compete in the local election race scheduled for 20 October. Assessing this latest step by the Socialists to take part in the elections, one gets the impression not only that things in the left-wing camp are proceeding with a degree of realism, but, more importantly, that their previous positions con- may at some point have needed their allies from the 26 May elections. Yesterday, following a press conference by Gjinushi and a meeting of the PAD assembly, they left their participation in the local elections open, continuing to make it conditional on the conditions under which the elections are held. But the Socialists’ participation in the elections would undoubtedly make things harder for the parties of the “Pole.” Lacking significant weight among the electorate, this would establish the profiles of this group regarding the character and real strength of its left-wing opponents. However, it must not be forgotten that it would also greatly affect the value of the efforts made by the left-wing opposition concerning the violations and manipulations in the 26 May elections. Yesterday, too, the IRI assessment of the progress made in Albania’s electoral system—where, in fact, at a certain point this institution itself played an important role—was an indirect appeal to the parties hesitating to participate in the electoral process. Thus, it seems that there is every chance that the parties, despite the anomalies that are a consequence [Text begins in the middle of the article.] ...tradictory positions regarding the elections may also have been planned in order to secure as many concessions as possible from the authorities and legislative bodies. On the other hand, considering the alliances with the “Pole of the Center,” as well as the support Gjinushi has given the PS in Europe, mainly in the Socialist International, today’s Socialist leaders have not intended to sever ties abruptly, since they may have ... no one has any reason to worry about their positions. As a result, a boycott of the elections by the PAD and PSD would be more harmful to them. First of all, apart from the negative consequences it would have for the future of the electorates of these two parties, they would finally lose any credibility in European political circles. This, in turn, would also strengthen President Berisha’s position, since in this ... even this institution itself played an important role, it was chance that the parties, despite the anomalies resulting from several factors, will take part in the contest, whose final round will take place on 20 October. In such a situation, this places even greater responsibility on the authorities themselves, who will be the main guarantor that these elections are conducted normally, closing off every avenue for any action that could create a situation similar to the one experienced on 26 May. In this respect, the 20 October elections will also be a test of the Albanian state and its institutions before Europe and the USA, which have openly voiced their concerns about the many shortcomings observed in the latest parliamentary elections. If this test is passed successfully, this will first and foremost give impetus to the democratic process in the country, restoring faith in democracy and creating a better climate of understanding between political forces on both sides of the political spectrum. A.N.

The Commission on Emigration, Employment and Social Support met It is expected that around the end of October the commission will present the issue of emigration to Parliament for a parliamentary debate or an interpellation with the prime minister The Commission on Emigration, Employment and Social Support met. Emigration takes center stage. It is expected that around the end of October the commission will present the issue of emigration to Parliament for a parliamentary debate or an interpellation with the prime minister. The chair of this commission, S.Godo, spoke in general terms about the functions of the commission, which is faced with issues such as emigration, employment and social matters of concern to all Albanians. The commission decided to address emigration issues first. Considering the issue in all its aspects, without politicizing it but presenting it to the public as it is, the commission will prepare a detailed document, making contact with all departments directly or indirectly concerned with the issue. The second meeting, to divide the work more democratically, will be held on 19 September, when the draft law on orphans will be reviewed. A newspaper incorrectly reported that the status of orphans had been approved in Parliament, whereas the draft will first go through the commission. or the relevant ministries. Employment and pensioners will be the commission’s other areas of work. “Republika” correspondent

Yesterday, the first postwar elections began in Bosnia. began in Bosnia. These elections will choose the presidency, which will lead the state of Bosnia, composed of two ethnic entities separated from one another. On one side is the Croat-Bosniak Federation, which covers 51 percent of the territory of this republic that emerged from the former Yugoslavia; on the other is the Republika Serpska, whose territory is slightly smaller and which is made up of Bosnian Serbs. In these elections, in addition to the joint presidency of the state of Bosnia-Herzegovina, people will also vote for the presidencies of the two parts that make up this state. The main candidates are the Bosniak Alija Izetbegivic, the Croat Kreshimir Zubak and the Serb Momcillo Krajshnjik. Although the Bosniaks are more numerous, there is a risk that victory will go to the Serb Krajshnjik, who replaced Radovan Karaxhic, who, having been accused of war crimes, has been deprived of the right to stand as a candidate and, indeed, to remain on the political scene. This is because there are several parties among the Bosniaks, so their votes will be divided. In addition, the contradictions between Croats and Bosniaks will also take away some of the votes that were expected to go in Izetbegovic’s favor. During yesterday, despite the vigilance of IFOR forces, several incidents occurred, such as gunfire or the prevention of members of one ethnic group from voting in territories controlled by the opposing side.

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