Mystery surrounds the Republic-Monarchy race. Mulosmani: “We won.” The PD quietly withdraws. It also loses in some of its traditional strongholds. Runoff in one week Anxiety and fear have been replaced by record turnout at the polls Mystery surrounds the Republic-Monarchy race. Mulosmani: “We won.” The PD quietly withdraws. It also loses in some of its traditional strongholds. Runoff in one week PS supporters celebrate victory (Photo: Plator Ilo) On pages 2-3 PS supporters celebrate victory (Photo: Plator Ilo)

After the vote Andrea Stefani TIRANA - Now we expect to see national reconciliation; I will not elaborate on major changes for Albania. The European troika led by [L.] Lumiere, by condemning [unclear] at the height of the June 29 elections, has made it clear that they are the first step in a vital process for Albania, a process that cannot be completed unless the political elite overcomes political polarization. The first wave of optimism has passed, and it seems that the outcome of victory has smiled on the Left. Power must now change hands, with the opposition taking its place. With the June 29 elections, Albania has taken an important step: the transfer of power into other hands, despite the conditions of pluralism. But this exchange, so peaceful and universally acclaimed in the West thanks to its centuries-old democratic tradition, appeared in the new and fragile Albanian democracy as a difficult birth. In Albania… [it] failed. In Albania of terror and blood, [the] shaken lives of innocent people, the prisons, and the dozens of others [affected] by the uprising and the decorations will be a universal and unforgettable lesson for politicians. Therefore, in this election, [amid] this mentality of wins and losses, I refer to tolerance and cooperation in competition. In this sense, today’s victory is not simply the merit of the winners, but also a failure that was not 100 percent the fault of the defeated. Indeed, alongside sympathy for the opposition, there is also a large measure of antipathy toward politicians associated with power in several important areas of the country’s life. Consequently, popular sympathy—until now, those who have won elections through political coloring—still has to be earned through genuine commitment and actions that open a new era in Albanian politics. And it seems to us that this creates an opportunity for both the election winners and those who lost today. But for this, all sides must begin to move beyond past practices and operate according to new traditions; they must not resort to fighting, but strive for a … “The opposition” of the opposition must abandon the tradition of direct confrontation with politicians, and the “position” [government] must abandon its tradition of despotism toward the opposition. The government, by respecting the tradition of rotation and opposition oversight as a necessary mechanism for democratization against despotism, tries to defeat us, but this was won with words, in the face of an opposition that is not an opposition, is not an opposition. But in any case, the opposition must demonstrate its commitment and show tolerance—only … of the people. In Albania’s economic, political, and social reality, the sharpest contradictions have accumulated, along with very difficult problems and highly complicated situations. Without a new mentality that turns enmity into rivalry, it is impossible for … Albania to climb uphill and move forward. It will be very difficult for each side. Both sides … very difficult, and not … very difficult. Both sides can achieve it only … in the order of hell.

By party Socialist candidates have won almost everywhere. The Democrats have held on in Tropojë, Lushnje, Fier and Durrës (in some areas). Election Sunday was generally calm, but incidents were not absent. On pages 5-6-7

Police avert bloodshed

VLORA On page 5

SHKODER On page 6

THE REFERENDUM On page 3

Yesterday, the Presidential message: “We will be in opposition” TIRANA - “Yesterday’s elections have

Police avert bloodshed TIRANA - Late on Sunday evening, police prevented a crowd of supporters of the left-wing coalition from celebrating their victory. “Such a thing could have triggered reactions, and now that everyone is armed, it would have led to a tragedy”—this is what senior police officials in Tirana say. Meanwhile, yesterday the police issued another order that no political force should attempt to hold illegal gatherings, or it would face the consequences.

TIRANA - “Yesterday’s elections were the only way to create a real opportunity for the country to emerge from the crisis.” These were the first words of President Berisha in the message he addressed to Albanians on Monday. “Without the help and commitment of international institutions,” the Albanian president said, “these elections could not have been held.” He then thanked the Albanian voters who “participated despite the difficult conditions.” “I invite all voters,” Berisha continued in his message, “as well as the members and activists of the PD, to accept yesterday’s verdict with dignity and to continue our efforts as the opposition to consolidate democracy.” Sali Berisha concluded his message with the words, “May God bless Albania.” On page 2 Berisha at the moment of voting on Sunday (Photo: Plator Ilo)

The head of the troika declares TIRANA - “The elections are acceptable.” The head of the European troika reiterated her position yesterday. “Despite some irregularities, they were generally conducted acceptably.” The head of the European mission spoke about her visit to the South and the normal conduct of the elections in many areas where she had observed the process firsthand. “I also contacted the head of local government in Gjirokastër,” she said. According to the European politician, she was not made aware of any electoral irregularities. A few hours later, La Lumiere confirmed her position at a press conference held in the presence of a large number of local and foreign journalists. “The elections are considered acceptable,” she said, describing them as meeting standards, as in the other countries where the OSCE has conducted its observation. On page 7 La Lumière during the press conference (Photo: P. Ilo)

LAS VEGAS - “If I don’t knock Holyfield down by the third round, I’ll eat him alive.” That is what Tyson declared before the fight—and he kept his word. At the end of the round, he bit his opponent, leaving him with an ear in his hand. This is an unprecedented case in professional boxing. Is this the end of Mike Tyson? Perhaps it is too soon to say, but he has disqualified himself. Biting someone is no small thing; when people do it, it is particularly shocking. Mike Tyson did nothing less than the cannibals, but he did not demonstrate this in tribes or caves; he did it in the ring, in front of 16,000 spectators. On page 8 Tyson bites Holyfield’s ear (Photo: REUTERS)

FIER On page 6