THE TIME IS FOR WORK AND ACTION
Letter from comrade Fatos Nano addressed to the organizations of the Socialist Party in the name of its leadership of the PSSH
Brothers and sisters,
On 22 March the Socialist Party won 257.3 thousand votes and became the second political force in Albania, but it remains the first in relation to the other political forces. There are 24 mandates for the Socialist Party, chosen by 253,273 men and women, boys and girls, who after this result were not demoralized; on the contrary, they felt more mobilized and more responsible in their attitude. We greet you for your persistent work, for the democratized and civilized mobilization, for the calm strength of patience and will that you displayed in these elections as well.
The electoral process was difficult and burdened by political tensions. Different forces tried to exert psychological and political pressure on our voters. There were distortions, manipulations, and a heated propaganda climate. Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands of citizens voted for our program, for stability, for social peace, and for democratic development without revenge.
The result of the 22 March elections must be viewed without euphoria and without despair. Under these conditions, the Socialist Party must calmly analyze the causes of the result, understand its weaknesses and responsibilities, strengthen its organizations, preserve unity, and continue the political battle with democratic means. Today the country needs work, calm, understanding, and organized action.
We must not fall victim to provocations. We must stand close to the people, close to their hardships and concerns, close to workers, peasants, youth, and the intelligentsia. Party organizations must become more active, more open, and more connected to the grassroots.
In this new political stage, maturity, determination, and responsibility are required. Albania cannot move forward with hatred, division, and adventures. It needs institutions, legality, and a strong, constructive, and democratic opposition. That is our task.
FATOS NANO
The Socialist Party in opposition; visions, ideas, problems
In the present phase, the realization of concepts requires logic and political concreteness
, as well as calm in assessing the situation. Failure or the failure to achieve objectives should not lead to despair, but to a cool analysis and a renewal of political thought. The Socialist Party, by entering opposition, must preserve its profile, strengthen ties with citizens, and formulate credible alternatives for the democratic development of the country.
Opposition is not the end of a political role, but another way of serving. Under the new conditions, clear ideas, concrete programs, and a new culture of debate are required. Our strength must be argument, not insult; organization, not spontaneity; long-term vision, not instant reaction.
The economic and social problems are great. Unemployment, insecurity, shortages, and people’s disappointments are not solved by slogans. They require responsibility and work. Only a wise opposition, with ideas and patience, can positively influence the life of the country.
(To be continued on page 2)
COMMUNIQUÉ
The Central Election Commission on the results of the elections for deputies to the People’s Assembly of the people
The Central Election Commission announces the preliminary results of the elections held on 22 March 1992.
At the conclusion of the vote count in most of the electoral districts, the results reflect a high turnout of the electorate and strong competition among the political forces. According to the initial data, the Democratic Party has secured the majority of the mandates, while the Socialist Party ranks as the second force. Several other parties are also represented in the Assembly.
In accordance with the election law, the final results will be made public after verification of the documentation and review of any complaints that may be submitted by the electoral subjects.
(To be continued on page 2)
DISCRIMINATED INTELLIGENTSIA
In these days of political debates and major upheavals, it is necessary not to forget the role of the Albanian intelligentsia. It has often been the bearer of reformist ideas, civic culture, and a sense of national responsibility. However, in many cases, the intelligentsia has been set aside, judged with prejudice, or treated as suspect.
This situation cannot continue. A democratic society needs free thought, knowledge, argument, and professionalism. Without the participation of the intelligentsia, stable institutions cannot be built, nor can the economy, education, culture, and public life be directed.
Today the way must be opened for its contribution, without fear and without discrimination. Only in this way can conditions be created for balanced development and for a civil climate of dialogue.
(To be continued on page 2)
Our struggle as opposition will be only with democratic means
Under the new political conditions, the battle to defend the interests of citizens and to oppose the mistakes of power must be carried out with democratic means. This means organization, free speech, peaceful civic protest without violence, participation in institutions, and persistence in enforcing the law.
We will accept neither provocations nor forms of political adventurism. Albania needs calm, work, and understanding. The opposition must be determined, but responsible; active, but measured.
With this spirit we will continue our political activity, defending democratic values and the public interest.
(To be continued on page 2)
The Socialist Party, with 257.3, first in the general vote, takes second place in parliament after the Democratic Party, which prevailed in the elections among the 5 parties that managed to enter parliament. The victory, it takes second place in parliament, with the close and devoted activists of all the rich activities it has in its ranks.
