Just a few more weeks and the Congress of the Christian Democratic Party of Albania will convene. Although the president of this party, Nard Ndoka, had announced some time ago a deep reform of the structures and the way the PDK is organized, it seems that its most authoritative sources maintain that these structures will be reshaped. This is seen as the first serious attempt by this political party to become attractive to the Albanian electorate and to move beyond its framework as a third political force. But what does a “third political force” mean, and what role will it play in the future? First, a third force would be a new alternative not only for the Democrats and the Socialists but also for the Christian Democrats dissatisfied with the way the country is currently being governed. Second, this party would have the possibility of shifting from the left to the center and then to the right, while avoiding the old policies of the traditional parties. Third, being a European country means having the opportunity to build new relations with center-right and centrist parties in Europe. Fourth, by not identifying with the harsh conflicts of the Albanian political scene, the Christian Democrats could present themselves as a moderate and reasonable voice in public debate. Fifth, Albanian Christian Democrats could benefit from the experience of sister parties in Italy and other European countries. Sixth, if this party succeeds in reforming its structures and bringing in new figures, it could become a real alternative for Albanian voters. Seventh, if it preserves its profile and strengthens its ties with its electoral base, it could increase its influence in Albanian political life. page 7

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