Republika
9 July 1997
Nano against Ceka. A fight over the government
Secret meeting of the Socialists. DBSH has no reason to be confused. PD: the season of resignations continues
Labë mothers look toward Otranto. Di Pietro: a hope?
Abdyl Xhaja’s escape was the work of his own subordinate
Page 2
300 capital residents request death
Page 12
The Major is entrusted with the PD branch
Page 2
Fier: We want Mediunit in Parliament
Page 4
Godo: The elections are a victory for Albania
Page 3
Majko: Shehu’s resignation did not need bullets
Page 11
The elections save Sude
Page 5
Why is the referendum result being delayed?
Above the weary heads of Albanians, the King brandishes his knightly sword
The CEC is inciting monarchist crowds to carry out a full cycle of rebellion. By delaying the referendum result, the idea of manipulation is taking shape among the pro-monarchist electorate, as an act conditioned by the Socialists’ “anti-Albanian” activity. Also significantly influenced by PD propaganda, which implies that the referendum was flagrantly manipulated, the monarchists continue to openly express their dissatisfaction, which has even led to occasional clashes. It is easier for the fallen state officials to send the claimant to the throne, Leka I, a summons to be questioned about the tragic events of recent days than to appeal to the CEC to speed up the vote-counting process. This delay nevertheless remains enigmatic, while the CEC has tried to present a relatively independent face. The monarchists eagerly await the final verdict, which they fancifully imagine as a decision wholly in favour of the Monarchy and as a challenge to the former Communists who have just come to power.
Leka I himself is almost certain that the monarchy option has won and that he is the legitimate king of the Albanians. The “King’s” conviction is not at all shaken by the electoral shock suffered by the Democratic Party, which held rallies one night and made preparations for the referendum. Nor does the resignation of the leader of the “Legality Movement” make any impression on Leka; the leader considered his mission exhausted (but [possibly] to have it annulled).
With the ideas of this classical king, Leka Zogu brandishes his knightly sword above the weary heads of Albanians, embellishing the royal image in this republican fin de siècle.
The daily ritual of the “King” and the “Court Minister” in “Skënderbej” Square is becoming more comical by the day. The monarchists can be counted on one’s fingers. Nevertheless, the King insists he has won, although the preliminary results at the Central Commission give the Monarchy no more than 33%. The three groups working to determine the final result are accompanied by one of the King’s trusted men at the CEC and by three observers.
In any case, the Central Commission has no reason to keep the results secret, because even the King has had enough of waiting and may need to return to his court in South Africa.
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