“Democratic attire in the Balkans cannot assure us that extremism will disappear” The Balkans and Kosovo at the meeting of foreign ministers of NATO member countries. The US Secretary of State makes the announcement

BY MARTIN LEKA Following the publication of the final reports by international observers of the local elections in Albania and their recommendations regarding the person at the head of the entire election pyramid, the Central Election Commission (KQZ) has become the focus of politics and public opinion. The governing majority, at national, legislative and local levels, seems to have responded in a spirit of understanding with the international actors present in Albania, in the interests of political understanding and consensus. This is clearly evident in a ... position reflected by the trio President-Prime Minister-President-Prime Minister-Chairman of the PS. It is clear that Meidani-Meta-Nano have not adopted the stance of “non-interferers”; rather, they have shown the necessary awareness to deal with a new situation that could become a source of serious conflict, harming not only the upcoming general elections but also the favorable image of the elections that have just taken place. The three leading figures of the governing political camp seem to have a fresh memory of the image of the 1996 elections, even though no parallel can be drawn between those elections and this year’s. In any case, they seem to be sending a message that conditions should be created for elections six months from now that are even better than those just completed. On the other hand, it is now the opposition’s duty to be tolerant and loyal. It should not exploit the pragmatic initiatives of the government to turn itself into the role of the “spoiled child.” It should be clear to the opposition that a positive impression among Albanian voters begins precisely when the opposition sits down at the table before taking to the streets, voices objections before calling anyone an enemy, and uses words before throwing firecrackers and bottles of gasoline. The opposition has the right to challenge and attack the KQZ, just as everyone has the right to think otherwise. In the end, the problems that have arisen with the KQZ will find the proper solution, whether legal or through compromise. But one cannot conclude that the KQZ is the ultimate and only solution for preventing election disputes. For it is clear to everyone that a mayor’s mandate is not awarded by the KQZ, but by the Zonal Commission. So what fault do the seven members of the KQZ bear if Rushi of the PD was elected mayor in Shkodër and Veizi of the PS in Vlorë?! The mayor is not what is at issue here. It is the “institution” of rational understanding between the government and the opposition. A periodically recurring illness over these ten years.

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Fuel page 5 Fuel Meta secures a reduction in the cost of heating page 5

Hysen Domni, Mayor of Elbasan, since yesterday President of KOKSH. Photo: P. ILO

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heating page 19 Change in the CEC PSD accuses the SP: It is exerting pressure on the State page 3