The elections are over. Now it is the parties' turn to understand the result and act like political forces in a pluralist order. Defeat is not the end of the world and victory is not a license for arbitrariness. Civic and political responsibility requires maturity, tolerance and respect for democratic rules. The people's decision must be read without euphoria and without panic. The opposition gained moral and political ground, while the authorities understood that they can no longer rule as they did yesterday. That is the essence of pluralism.

Statement of the Steering Committee of the Democratic Party We believe and we are strong, despite the demoralizing and thoughtless confusion of left-wing extremism. This political and moral victory is undeniable. The figures speak. Certainly, to move toward victory there is a cost, initiative, sacrifice, and joint struggle. It is clear that the victory of 31 March was not due to chance or to pseudodemocracy, because the Albanian, above all, loves freedom. The figures and the facts give right not only to the current opposition, but also to those who have the right not to want control of leadership by the red bureaucracy, even if it is painted with new thorns(?). The first step won should not give rise to illusions or sadness. It must be understood that part of the people, through ignorance and deception, has still not come out of the vicious circle of incomprehension. We must avoid any kind of revenge and adapt our behavior to the norms of a democratic, civilized and responsible force. The suppression of polemics and the strengthening of national unity are in favor of democracy. It is time for the Albanian right to understand that what has been lost and destroyed over decades cannot be regained in a day. This is the time for work, organization and resistance. We must be a factor of stability and hope. The real victory will come with political maturity and with the transformation of society. (Continues on page 5)

- Albanian democracy fully deserves the capital's vote. To praise Tirana in which it chose makes the reason and the result understandable. To underline the weight of the capital is neither localism nor a triumphalist spirit, but recognition of its political and civic role. In Tirana the desire for change, for openness, for democratic culture was clearly demonstrated. The capital gave a signal that will affect the whole country. From state propaganda to administrative pressure, everything was set in motion, but the citizen of Tirana proved clear-minded. This vote is a tribute to the civic tradition and a responsibility for the future.

AGIM ISAKU According to the data coming from the districts and polling stations, there have been numerous irregularities. The reports speak of a distortion of the voters' will, administrative interference and the exertion of pressure. In some areas the secrecy of the vote was violated; in others there were problems with the lists, with the counting and with the minutes. These are facts that must be investigated to the end. Only transparency and punishment of those who violated the rules can give the process legitimacy. The opposition has the right to demand a full verification of the result. (Continues on page 5)

- In Shkodra, signs were observed; the air of freedom brought many surprises. The first reactions after the vote were different: from civic enthusiasm to administrative concern. Free speech is coming to the surface, together with old fears. In many places people were seen speaking openly about politics, something unusual until yesterday. This post-election democracy is still fragile, but it promises much. It must be protected from manipulation, from servility and from the old habits of submission. (Continues on page 2)

LENIN: "Sirs, be clever, but do not go too far" PRESIDENT: "We have not lost our heads, nor have we been shaken, but we are convinced that the result does not speak badly of us. We will face it with calm and strength. PRIME MINISTER: "We will implement every democratic rule and we will not hinder anyone. Let us not forget that governing requires stability." The implied dialogue between the two figures expresses the unclear political climate after the elections. One side defends power with state language, while the other seeks change with the language of the opposition. In the background remains the question of whether the transition will be managed without clashes. (Continues on page 2)