LET US STRENGTHEN THE PARTY ORGANIZATIONALLY The Socialist Party became the loser in the 22 March elections. It was unable, according to its political goal, to lead its forces and the left-wing coalition allies to a parliamentary majority in the next legislature. Through the free vote, the people determined the force that will govern the country for the next four years. We socialists accept this verdict without any equivocation, as a free and democratic choice of the Albanian people. But defeat in the elections is not a defeat of our political and social mission. We remain a major political force of the Albanian left and have the duty to defend the interests of the working strata, democratic development, and social progress. In these elections, regardless of the results, the Socialist Party proved that it is a political force with deep roots among the people and with great influence in the life of the country. The result calls for deep reflection, a cool-headed analysis, and reorganization. We must realistically examine our weaknesses, the shortcomings of our political, organizational, and propaganda work. In some areas we failed to convince the electorate; in others we did not mobilize the membership and supporters enough. These shortcomings must not be hidden; they must be turned into lessons for the future. Strengthening the party organizationally is a primary task. The basic organizations must be revived, become more closely linked to the people, listen to their concerns and demands, and turn them into a platform for political action. The party needs discipline, responsibility, open communication, and a new spirit of work. In the new political conditions, the Socialist Party must be a responsible, constructive, and determined opposition. We will support every step that serves democratization, the rule of law, stability, and the improvement of the people’s lives; but we will strongly oppose any policy that undermines the interests of broad strata and the country’s sovereignty. This is the time for unity, not division; for analysis, not sterile blaming; for serious work, not demoralization. The Socialist Party has a future only by being closer to the people, fairer in its assessments, and more capable of facing the challenges of the transition.

Until 4 p.m. yesterday, according to preliminary data, results had been tallied in 66 of the 100 electoral districts. In these districts, PD has won in 52 of its districts, with 104 deputies; in 66 of these districts, 36 deputies of the left-wing coalition and 4 deputies of the Republican Party are winners. Data from the other districts will be published immediately after the counting is completed. Note! The Central Election Commission has decided to repeat the vote at the polling station in Shkolla e Bashkuar, Tirana, because of irregularities observed during the process. Chairman of the Election Commission NIKOLLA NOSI

In the district of Puka, despite political declarations and labels, cases of administrative interference in the electoral process have been noted. The newspaper presents testimonies and comments on the way the victory has been interpreted in the service of narrow interests. Instead of serving calm and cooperation, in some cases the result is being used to deepen divisions and to place politically close people in positions. This is a harmful practice for local democracy and for citizens’ trust. What is needed today is respect for the law, the free vote, and public administration standards, not the one-sided replacement of the administration according to the winner of the day.

By accepting the verdict of the people the living democracy of thousands of democrats[?] (Continues on page 3)

Joint ventures began As people calmly and realistically assess the consequences of the election result, part of the discussion is linked to the progress of economic reforms, privatization, and new forms of ownership.

The establishment of holomokalier in Kosovo - an imperative for a new bloody separation (Continues on page 4)

(Continues on page 3)

— vokë[?] — (Continues on page 3)

Kushto[?] to strive for the alternative of European democratic socialism, dedicated and acts in favor of the deepening of the Socialist Party, condemns and fights every effort and initiative made to blacken it; the honest and patriotic person has the doors of the Socialist Party open.