The results of the October 20 elections, and especially the reactions of the country's political forces after they ended, point to two trends in current Albanian politics. Once again, the crisis being experienced by the left and by those parties that are linked to it in one way or another has been confirmed. What happened in Sunday's elections showed very clearly that the left, primarily the Socialists, have definitively lost the factor of [militancy?]. From one point of view, this means either that the Socialist leadership is experiencing a crisis of confidence among the electorate, or that militancy was characteristic only of the mass of Marxist fanatics, who certainly do not like the recent changes in the party's political line, to which they have given their spirit for a long time. The local elections showed that the PS is not such a serious opponent as it seems, and that it will take a very long time before it is able to make Berisha think twice. On the other hand, the Socialists and other left-wingers, who are also facing a crowd of voters, have not been able—apart from criticizing the PD's mistakes and the failure of its governing schemes—to offer convincing alternatives that would guarantee a successful resolution of the problems created by the PD's rule. Continued on p. 5

- Optimism for the Republican candidate. His candidacy is supported by the independent candidate and the other political forces. PR Chairman Mr. Godo had a busy day yesterday. After meeting with the KD, he faced a press conference with journalists and immediately went to the PR branch in Fier. He held two meetings yesterday. First, he went to the center of the Ruzhdie commune, where Republican candidate Harun Kasa is running against the Democratic candidate. The meeting was well attended. The Republican candidate was supported by the independent candidate and the other political forces. Mr. Godo spoke about the Republican Party's program for local government and reminded those present that the PR supports autonomous local self-government, where the law prevails; it stands for calm and order, and for a capable administration that can take responsibility for the commune's problems and the voters' concerns. Mr. Godo assured voters that the elections would be fair and peaceful, and that he himself would monitor them appropriately. The Republican chairman then went to the village of Siqecë, where he held a meeting with the villagers. Here, too, the meeting was upbeat, and those present supported the Republican candidate as a capable and honest person. Tomorrow as well, Chairman Godo will be among the residents of the Ruzhdie commune, supporting the candidate for commune chairman, Harun Kasa.

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