Violence and terror by gangs in Vlora intensify ON PAGE 2

OSCE personnel did not set foot in Cërrik and Belsh ON PAGE 4

PD asks Fino to protect the lives of election commissioners ON PAGE 2

On Sunday, all votes for the Democratic Party By acknowledging the election result, the DP gave the SP a lesson in how it should act in the not-too-distant future On Sunday, all votes for the Democratic Party The runoff, a renewal of trust in the DP By acknowledging the election result, the DP gave the SP a lesson in how it should act in the not-too-distant future In the people’s hands, candidates for parliament from the Democratic Party are in the runoff. Regardless of the first result, it is very important for the DP and Albanian democracy that parliament not be left in the hands of the Communists. The Democratic Party did not achieve good results because of the armed voting carried out by the Socialist Party in almost all areas. This sh-

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the hundreds and thousands of Albanians who, in yesterday’s elections, reaffirmed their trust in the Democratic Party Albanian voters cast their ballots yesterday in conditions and circumstances far from normal. But yesterday’s elections were the only way to make room for an opportunity to emerge from the crisis. Before commenting on their preliminary result, I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all those friendly countries, their governments, international institutions, and in particular the Italian Government and the governments of the countries participating in the “Alba” mission, the OSCE and former Chancellor Vranicki, for the great support they gave Albania. Without their help and commitment, these elections could not have been held. I also wish to thank Albanian voters from the bottom of my heart, who, despite the difficult conditions, took part in yesterday’s elections, and to assure them that, in the name of the highest interests, their vote and verdict will be fully respected, just as my previous statements will be respected without being made conditional. Yesterday, Albanian voters seem to have voted for the Democratic Party to be in opposition. On this occasion and thousands of Albanians who reaffirmed their trust in the Democratic Party in yesterday’s elections. I thank these voters, members, activists and supporters of the Democratic Party who, during these days of yesterday’s voting and the paradhomë[?], did everything to consolidate democracy in their struggle to defend its freedom. The history of the Democratic Party is that of the movement against the continent’s most brutal communist dictatorship, the history of democracy and Albania’s integration into Europe. On this path, if we stand together and do not waver, we will travel a difficult road, but one that is decisive for the survival and future of the younger generations, in the name of Albania and the Albanian nation. God bless Albania!

Bombs, grenades, bullets and threats against people and supporters of the Democratic Party Nano’s bandit kills polling-station chairman in Fier ON PAGE 2

The Democratic Party protests against the SP commissioners ON PAGE 3

Elections marked by shortcomings, obstacles and weapons The preliminary report of the OSCE and EC highlights fraud by the Socialists ON PAGE 3

In the people’s hands, candidates for parliament from the Democratic Party are in the runoff. Regardless of the first result, it is very important for the DP and Albanian democracy that parliament not be left in the hands of the Communists. Socialist Party in almost all areas. This best illustrates the nature of their power, which will be present a week from now. Democrats must recover after democracy was raped by the SP’s armed gangs. They must return to their ideals, to their party, to their opportunity to soon bring democratic people back to Albania. By acknowledging the election result, despite the fact that the elections did not meet even the most basic standards of fairness, the Democratic Party is making the greatest investment in calming the situation in the country. Acknowledging the elections is a manifestation of the values of all of Albania’s democrats, who, instead of the Kalashnikovs used by the SP, chose the path of a political resolution to the crisis. No democratic party can ever seek to seize power by force of arms, or to preserve it through crime. future. Being in opposition is a powerful opportunity for the DP to take power again, renewed to a greater extent, stronger and better prepared to govern. Being in opposition is not an act of despair. Today, Albania needs a strong, democratic opposition that can ease the pain the communist revolution brought to the country. A left-wing government can make a mistake at any moment. It was born to make mistakes, because it came to power through bloodshed. None of Albania’s democrats, nor anyone else, should forget that the victory of the left came at the cost of more than a thousand people killed and drowned, and more than five thousand wounded. This is a high price—and an even more irresponsible one in Albania’s history—for a political force that will stop at nothing to take power. On Sunday, people will also be voted for in many areas. All Albanians, not only those who are Democrats, have it in their hands to strengthen the opposition even further. This must be done. All votes must go to the DP, despite the already familiar difficulties posed by the other alternative: threats, weapons and violence. S.N.

Rumors of possible manipulation, especially in Tirana, are highly plausible, since shameless manipulation has also taken place with the DP’s votes Following a statement by the Minister of the Royal Court ON PAGE 3

According to unofficial information, over 60 percent of the electorate voted for a change in the form of regime ON PAGE 3

The contrast in the unequal battle of the June 29 elections While we went to the elections, they continued the fighting, killing and cutting people down until voting day. While we never wavered in accepting the verdict of the free vote, the committee chiefs Fatos Nano and Bashkim Fino have never declared that they would recognize the elections, but have said the opposite ON PAGE 3

The OSCE Troika: “We have not heard of serious irregularities”

The first round of voting on 29 June comes to a close. PS gangs dominate the ballot boxes

Message from President Berisha addressed to the Albanian people.