The opposition refuses: “We will not take part in the elections” Alongside the parliamentary parties, the smallest political parties will also compete in 17 electoral districts Today, some Albanians will head to polling stations for the third time in less than a month. But of the 300,000 voters registered on the rolls in the 17 electoral districts, it seems fewer will cast their ballots. Besides the heat that has intensified in recent days, there is also the election boycott by a number of important opposition parties—including the PS, PAD and PSD—which is believed likely to erode voter turnout. Meanwhile, the other contenders are at the starting line. Leaders of the ruling PD have once again declared their determination to win in every district. But officials at the Republican Party headquarters have also voiced considerable optimism, particularly about the election districts in several regions. The withdrawal of part of the opposition seems to have raised the hopes of the smaller political parties—the PBDNJ, “Balli Kombëtar” and “Lëvizja e Legalitetit”—of taking seats in the next Parliament. CONSTITUTIONAL COURT “The new elections are in order” On page 3 From the May 26 vote

Father killed in front of his son On page 8

Wounded

Sharks found in recent days on the coast of Vlora VLORE - Sharks have arrived in Vlora too. Two frightening species from the ocean depths had washed up dead on the shore at Uji i Ftohtë. They were brought ashore on Thursday morning by some children who were swimming in the sea. The two sharks—one of them was gigantic—had gashes in their bellies, and it was thought that they had first become caught in the nets of a fishing vessel and then, after being killed, had been thrown back into the sea. Fishermen say that powerful currents carried them ashore. The two “kings” of the underwater world were first spotted by a group of children swimming near the shore. Curiosity led them to approach the large “sharks” and bring them ashore without knowing what they were. Their frightening teeth made them realize they were facing something unexpected: sharks. A large crowd of curious onlookers gathered immediately, and fishermen dispelled any possible doubt. The two sharks—one two metres long and the other 1.2 metres—were of a ferocious species that is extremely dangerous to humans as well. The specimens washed up on the Vlora shore live at great depths. They looked frightening: their backs were grey, while their bellies were white. Their fins were large and powerful. Another peculiarity—and the reason the children quickly abandoned their “toy” and threw the sharks back into the water—was that their bodies gave off a strong smell of ammonia. Aside from arousing curiosity, the sharks’ appearance caused panic among the many holidaymakers on Vlora beach. A shark caught on the coast of Vlora

An army of voters: 106 million REPORTAGE / Between Russians’ hopes and disappointments From our correspondents in Moscow: Armand Mero, Doriana Lika A journey through Moscow on the eve of the elections. Unusual calm, increased police presence and election manifestos. This is the atmosphere prevailing in the world’s largest country, just a few hours before the “election of the century.” The latest polls show incumbent President Jelcin as the winner, but surprises cannot be ruled out. A fallen Jelcin campaign poster (Photo: REUTERS)

Russians MOSCOW — Could the political tug-of-war between Jelcin and Zhuganov also be decided by football? The result of today’s match between the Russian and German national teams could become a powerful influence on the presidential vote. Many political scientists think so; this time, they see their country’s fate on the green English pitch. A defeat for the national team could turn into a dangerous metaphor for Jelcin, who “cannot even show Russia’s brilliance and strength in football, but has made it look weak before Europe.” For Zhuganov’s supporters and all those who perhaps “mourn” the breakup of the Soviet Union, this could be a quick-impact weapon, beginning at 18:00 (20:00, when the match ends), when polling stations will remain open for another six hours. If the national team wins, it will lend support to what Jelcin has done so far, as well as to his Western-style tendencies. Thus, perhaps for the first time in political history, even a football match—seemingly so far removed from the games of power—is very likely to influence the fate of a country. The coach himself has said he will vote for Jelcin. But it seems that, more than his vote, what will matter greatly to the incumbent president are the goals his team scores and the final result of the match. A victory in England for a victory in Russia? ar.me.

EURO ’96 / The French draw with Spain The English have triumphed in the British derby, and now have one foot in the quarter-finals. Once again, Alan Shearer was the star, along with Gascoigne, who scored a magnificent goal. A draw in the other derby, that of the Pyrenees, between France and Spain. Cameroon has spared Clemente an early elimination. Germany are making feverish preparations for the match against the Russians. Vogst: “A win guarantees us a place in the next round. Klinsman is a major asset for the team.” Italy accuses Sacchin. “He was responsible for the ‘surprise’ defeat against the Czechs. A team that plays brilliantly against Russia should not be touched.” The Russians are on their feet for the match against Germany; their next match is at the ballot box. The whole team has come out in support of Jelcin. On pages 5–6

Sharks found in recent days on the coast of Vlora

For technical reasons, today the “Gazeta TV” edition will not be presented to readers. While apologizing to all our readers and hoping that such cases will not happen again, we remind all vendors and readers that the newspaper’s price will be the same as on ordinary weekdays, namely 20 lekë.

SPECIAL FEATURE Divorces: this new “wound” of our times Figures, causes, accounts, comments on recent separations. On page 7

ENTERTAINMENT Starting tomorrow: a morning program on TVSH A journey into a world of entertainment. It will start at 8:30. On page 4