Autopsy of the violations of the law - Constitutional provision 16/2 is openly violated - Havarisë under the pretext of Hijazi Paho - Constitutional provision 16/2 is openly violated - Havarisë under the pretext of Hijazi Paho The Presidency of the Socialist Party of Albania assessed from the very beginning that the popular referendum, promoted with great insistence by the President of the Republic, was a hasty, useless and harmful step, not only for the democratic resolution of constitutional issues, but also for the future of democratic processes in the country itself. That is also the reason for the firm opposition of the PSSh to this referendum. Experience, no less positive in terms of the procedure as a whole and the conduct of the popular referendum, makes it even clearer how mistaken and harmful the chosen path was. It was mistaken because the people, despite the shortcomings of the constitution, have clearly expressed that they do not accept having their authority trampled by a concocted, manipulated and unfair scheme, showing maturity and a high political awareness. It was harmful because, in the name of the people, great damage has been done to the constitutional order, seriously undermining the climate of trust and political stability. But what are the most blatant violations of the constitutional referendum law, which was adopted by consensus? The answer is clear. First, Article 16/2 has been openly violated, which stipulates: “The draft law, submitted on the initiative of twenty thousand voters, must be put to a referendum no later than three months from the date of its submission.” How can the setting of the referendum date for 6 November be justified when the draft law was officially filed in the People's Assembly on 8 August? Any normal calculation shows that the three-month deadline has been violated. There is no serious interpretation that can justify this overrun. Second, the procedural order for examining the constitutional draft has been violated. The President of the Republic and the governing majority sought to impose a closed process, without genuine public debate, without respecting the suggestions of the opposition, specialists and interested institutions. Instead of being handled with the care and seriousness that a fundamental law of the state requires, the draft was used as a propaganda instrument. Third, the principle of consensus on which the previous constitutional package was built has been undermined. The referendum cannot be turned into a shield for violations of constitutional laws adopted by consensus. It is precisely this consensus that has given the country the opportunity to move forward in a difficult period of transition. Replacing it with political imposition means opening the way to unnecessary confrontations. Finally, it is clear that the entire process has been accompanied by an atmosphere of pressure, with efforts to distort the free will of citizens and to avoid real debate on the content of the draft. This makes it even more necessary for all political forces, institutions and public opinion to reflect seriously. (To be continued on page 2)

They oppose President Berisha's idea The Presidency of the Democratic Union Party for Human Rights approved a resolution yesterday in which it strongly condemns the President's decision to change the procedure for approving the basic law and expresses opposition to the referendum. The resolution states that the constitution should be adopted by a Constituent Assembly elected specifically for this purpose. The document emphasizes that the referendum, as a democratic form of expressing the will of the people, cannot be used to bypass the political and institutional representation of citizens. According to this party, the constitution requires a broad process of consultation and inclusion, not an act imposed from above. The resolution also criticizes the concentration of powers in the hands of the President and the risk that the draft constitution could create an authoritarian model of government. The party calls for an open public debate and for the process to be delayed until conditions are created for a consensual solution. THANAS DINO

The way Ahmet Zogu was placed at the head of the Albanian state in the years 1920-1928 is a significant example of how political power can be concentrated in the hands of one individual. From Minister of the Interior, Zogu rose to the post of President of the Republic and then proclaimed the monarchy, being crowned king. In 1925 he was elected President of the Republic with very broad powers. The constitution of that time gave him great influence over the political and institutional life of the country. Later, in 1928, he took the final step by abolishing the republic and proclaiming himself King of the Albanians. This historical precedent is brought to attention in order to warn against the danger of a constitution that gives excessive powers to the President. The article underlines that history must not be forgotten when discussing the building of democratic institutions. (To be continued on page 2)

TELEGRAPHICALLY... FROM THE WORLD Serb and Bosnian forces remaining in the Muslim enclave of Gorazde strengthened their positions yesterday before the 48-hour ceasefire mediated by the UN came into force. According to reports, the agreement aims to curb the fighting and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid. *** Miners in Ukraine have continued their protests, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. Local authorities have promised talks with union representatives. *** The Titanic, the giant transoceanic liner of the past, is being turned into an attraction for tourists and researchers, while discussions about preserving its remains continue. *** Many people from Zambia have turned themselves in to the police after reports that they were wanted for theft, while the authorities continue their investigations. 10-5

Është dita që gjykatësi e Gjykatës Kushtetuese të tregojë profesionalizmin dhe ndershmërinë e tyre. A do t'i nënshtetit politik ?

The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces The President is the chair of the High Council of Justice The President is the chair of the National Security Council The President also chairs meetings of the Council of Ministers The President dissolves Parliament The President is part of the party's leadership bodies

“At the beginning and” “also the only one rises in the struggle- quality with the last one is in PD in this- constitutional orchard”