The multinational forces and the OSCE refuse to distribute the ballot boxes. The soldiers will escort only the observers

Vranicki returns; the Court of Cassation slaps the Mezini Commission; 12 clean candidates. Fino visits SHIK; criticism of the SP Page 3

After the changes to the percentages for proportional representation, the time at which polling stations close has become the main subject of discussion among the various parties, at the meetings held from time to time. In much the same way as it acted over the allocation of proportional representation, the DP, which opposes by every means bringing forward the closing time for voting, seems once again to be passing the baton to the Constitutional Court. In other words, this institution, perhaps the most notable for making decisions in Berisha’s favor, must decide whether the closing time for voting should be changed or not. In a sense, the decision that appears to favor the SP in connection with its complaint about the allocation of proportional representation also suits the DP’s interests in one way or another. It is also worth noting that Berisha is not inclined to make decisions, either by decreeing a change requested by the parties or by taking responsibility for opposing the other parties. Even when the issue was the percentages for proportional representation, Berisha, although he supported the small parties harmed by the Constitutional Court’s decision and used the occasion to attack the SP, ultimately said, “I will not intervene; the parties themselves should decide on this.” Now, while the closing time of polling stations is being discussed, Berisha does not prefer to leave the initiative to his party, but is referring the matter to the Constitutional Court. But if it could be said that it was worth involving the Constitutional Court over the percentages for proportional representation, the timetable is not an important issue. The parties, including the DP, could easily find common ground and reach a consensus to close voting several hours earlier than has been decided so far. Thus, if the DP has the goodwill to do so, there is no reason for its representatives to set the old men of the Constitutional Court to work. Leaving the DP aside, the president himself could do this by means of a presidential decree. Experience has shown that, at the president’s initiative, much more important laws have been changed when he wanted. Let us recall, in this connection, the adventure surrounding the method of voting on the draft constitution in 1994, when a presidential decree initiated the removal of this right from parliament and its transfer first to a Constituent Assembly, which would be appointed by the president, before ending up in a referendum. But the most convincing example of the president’s actions is the election of 26 May, when the president himself, on election day, extended the closing of the ballot boxes by several hours through one of his decrees. It was during this time that the greatest manipulation took place, forcing the opposition to boycott the continuation of the elections. Bearing these things in mind, one cannot help thinking that involving the Constitutional Court in the closing time for voting is a game whose purpose may be linked to the DP not once again coming out against all its previous actions, while playing for time and diverting everyone else’s attention from some more important issue. G.L.

The “ALBA” commander, General Forlani. Photo: GENT SHKULLAKU

Rustem Gjata: The second decision for 29 June Page 2

My goals: a private TV station, representative for the people of Lezhë, and the reopening of the port of Shëngjin Interview with Nikollë Lesi, independent parliamentary candidate in constituency No. 17, Lezhë