The new head of the PD: A strong opposition Berisha recounts: my SMS messages with the 2 candidates. Arvizu: we wish Basha luck Former PD chairman: A plebiscitary vote. Olldashi: The process was distorted, anyone who supported me was fired. PS-LSI: There are no free elections even inside the PD By VALENTINA MADANI Lulzim Basha is Sali Berisha’s successor at the head of the Democratic Party. After counting all the ballot boxes, Basha received 33,220 votes, or 80.39%, while the other candidate, Sokol Olldashi, received 8,060 votes, or 19.61%, a difference of 25,160 votes. Just moments after the count ended, which resulted in a landslide victory over his rival in the race for the PD leadership, Sokol Olldashi, Basha held a meeting with Prime Minister Sali Berisha. In his first speech as head of the PD, Basha thanked all supporters for the great trust they had placed in him by electing him to lead the Democratic Party, as well as his rival in the race, Sokol Olldashi: “I thank the members, structures and leaders for the high civic values with which they engaged in this process. In this truly first contest, the democrats showed citizens that we are the most worthy representatives of freedom, democracy and dignity. Continues on pages 2-4

RAMADAN / Sidrit Bejleri: I have sung opera while fasting Linda and Monika together for iftar. Spahiu of AK: I have been fasting for 10 years (In the photo:) Monika Kryemadhi and Linda Rama during the iftar hosted by PS leader Edi Rama. (below) Footballer Xherdan Shaqiri in a mosque The list of VIPs who fast. Why Kosovars are more religious than Albanians in Albania. A rare photo: Bayern midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri in a mosque

By ADELAJDA XHAMANI To fast means not to consume food, water or have sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. These are the main rules for someone who is fasting. Then one must also behave well, Supplement

Biography of the communist leader On pages 20-21

Opinion of the Day By ELTAR DEDA On these hot days of this summer, when the weather temperatures are at high levels, when the economic crisis has also affected tourism... Healthcare, PS’s 7 steps for recovery Continues on page 24

Opinion of the Day By KIÇO BLUSHI The historic commander issues another war cry, 24 hours before the farce of the election for his successor in the PD. “Forward for the free vote of Albanians!” Continues on page 25

... and still the best today!

OLD WOMEN’S TESTIMONY: TALL, NOT STRONG On page 12

DECISION On page 8

PART TWO On pages 22-23

IN ALBANIA On page 10

THE RECTOR: THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD IN 2 DAYS Jorgo Kaçani: What the Architecture competition will be like On page 11