. Will the runoff bring Albanians to the polls? TIRANË — How many Albanians will go to the ballot boxes today? The turnout that began on 26 May and then faded from a satisfactory level—around 80 percent—today seems likely to be, more than an indicator of Albanians’ interest in the elections, a political thermometer (at least, that is the view of opposition representatives). The parties boycotting the elections, which for several days have been urging their electorate not to vote in the runoff, seem set to see in the non-participation percentages “the electorate that had genuinely supported them a week earlier.” But today’s picture has also been somewhat “clouded” by the DP’s withdrawal in several areas. Such a move, at least at the three polling stations where it will not take part, will somewhat “distort” the political indicators of turnout. It will be difficult to determine which side those who do not vote belonged to. Faced with a situation in which the candidates on the ballot received no more than 10 percent last week, non-participation may also be motivated simply by indifference. Indifference that may also be found among Democratic Party supporters, even in the areas where it will compete today. With victories already secured, and with the task now being to secure votes and increase their party’s percentage, their interest may not be what it was on 26 May. In this unusual electoral situation—the opposition having withdrawn and the DP fighting only to increase its percentages—a high abstention rate may not be a surprise in today’s elections.

Harsh criticism: “The elections are a step backward” The opposition is pleased: “This is the most important assessment for us” Today, the second round of elections. A contest among the minor parties in 9 areas of the country The State Department: “The opposition should accept some responsibility for the degradation of the voting process.” On page 3 Runoff Sunday. Only the minor parties face the DP. Candidates in the race did not get past 10 percent On page 11 More space for PR, Melon and Laço

The leaders of the four parties will set out Enough with the seats in parliament? The Democratic Party unexpectedly withdraws some of its candidates from today’s runoff contest, thus leaving room for the Republicans, Melo, and Laço’s party. “Justice and respect for the free vote—let us not bring them forward without enthusiasm.” On page 11 More space for PR, Melon and Laço

The opposition strike continues On page 3

Five parties have filed complaints There are 41 constituencies for which five parties have lodged complaints and are demanding a revote. The map above shows the distribution of the “hot spots” where ballot boxes, following verification by the Electoral Commission, may reappear, overturning the result of 26 May. Only the PD has requested a review in 8 constituencies (in some of them it lost), Melo in 13 constituencies, the Republicans in 11, the Christian Democrats in 7, and Legaliteti in 2. On page 11

Leaders of the four parties will depart The Albanian opposition will “travel” to Brussels. An invitation sent by the offices of the European Union, which arrived in Tirana two days ago, has invited four opposition parties—PS, PSD, PAD and the Democratic Right Party. On page 3

Deputy Minister Agim Shehu under accusation On page 11

Two people victims of the river On page 12

Feverish activity by the managers of the “rich” teams as they seek the most prominent players of last season On pages 9–10

PD headquarters

On pages 5–8