Following the Audit report, the minister penalizes 23 police chiefs in the districts They abused funds allocated to the police stations in Gjirokastër, Tepelenë, Përmet, etc. Following the Audit report, the minister penalizes 23 police chiefs in the districts Pogji, 30 million in fines for police commissioners They abused funds allocated to the police stations in Gjirokastër, Tepelenë, Përmet, etc.

By GAVROSH LEVONJA The positive experience of those elected as independent members of parliament in the 1997 elections seems to have encouraged a greater number of independents to enter the electoral contests in these elections. However, the country’s political forces, aware of voters’ preference for figures of this kind, who enjoy the respect of those casting their ballots, are increasingly inclined to bring this category of contenders for election into their fold. A few days ago, the leader of the PD, Berisha, while announcing the criteria on the basis of which candidates would be selected, foreshadowed a marked “departure” from the experience so far. From now on, candidates for local government do not necessarily have to be members of the PD. This party may also nominate a supporter who does not have a blue membership card in his pocket, provided only that his platform is in line with the party’s program. Meanwhile, the PS, by publishing the names of its candidates for local government, has made its decision to compete with several figures from “civil society” a fait accompli, without even requiring them to implement the party program. However, unlike independents who have entered the race without the umbrella of any political force, the other category of independents—those appearing on a party’s lists—face problems that may compromise their race. The crux of the matter lies in maintaining a difficult balance that will ensure independence is preserved, while also preventing the loss of votes from the electorate of the political force that nominates them. First of all, when competing as someone selected by a political party, an independent candidate or one coming from “civil society” is normally obliged to adapt his platform to the electoral program and objectives of the political force that selected him as a candidate. This excludes the ideal case in which there is complete agreement. But here he faces the risk of compromising his independence. And after that, the very idea of competing with people from civil society would prove to have failed. On the other hand, by embracing his own personal platform and disregarding the party’s programs and the decisions made by its forums, the independent will face negative reactions, beginning with those of these forums and extending to the unwillingness of a substantial part of the electorate to vote for an individual who ignores the “party line”—something that would put his election at risk. The contrasts described above might not exist if the independent were to run outside the party list, but this is not always electable, since it does not put up an opponent.

Page 5 Prime Minister Meta is also expected to go there in the coming days The Ministry of Privatization was discovered [?] two days ago photo P. ILO

Majko, Ngjela, Klosi and Dedja, holidaymakers this season VLORË — The town of Dhërmi is the favorite destination of senior politicians, members of parliament and businesspeople, as well as diplomats. Local residents say Dhërmi has never seen so many prominent figures and public personalities as it has this summer. Thus, 10 days ago the presidential residence was inaugurated, where the head of state Rexhep Meidani spent several days; currently, however, Pandeli Majko is vacationing there, a “regular, devoted fan” of enchanting Dhërmi. He has come there with his family and will stay until the end of August, but it is said that he has also invited other friends from Tirana. page 12

page 9