THE SOCIALISTS ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE
For eight days, and the referendum, as the days went by, they were only moving each day toward a socialist victory. The political-constitutional referendum was approaching, but even more the confidence was growing that the people would win. Soon government propaganda no longer seemed to operate at its usual pace. The opponent seemed to sense that it was losing. The last days turned into a general mobilization of all state structures, in the center and at the base, to push the result in favor of the official project. Its campaign was carried out with unheard-of arrogance, with the means of the state, with television, with the administration, and with pressure on citizens.
Nevertheless, even in these conditions, the Albanian people showed political maturity. They understood that the referendum was not simply about a text, but about the future of democracy and the right to live without imposition. Voters did not accept the Constitution being presented as a gift from above. They demanded pluralism, guarantees, and political equality. That was the real challenge, and the Socialists accepted it.
In the final days of the campaign, we saw a revival of civic spirit. In towns and villages, meetings, conversations, clarifications, distribution of materials, and open discussions were held. The Socialists spoke with people face to face, without noise, without fanfare, and without pressure. The voice of the ordinary citizen was heard, of the worker, the farmer, the intellectual, and the young. No one asked for miracles; people asked for security, law, and a state that serves everyone.
The government, on the other hand, failed to persuade. It used fear, insults, division, and empty propaganda. But the more pressure increased, the more refusal grew. This climate brought about a political clarity that could not be hidden. The referendum turned into a test of character for the country, and in this test the people refused to be manipulated.
The Socialists, with their calm and determined stance, showed that they are a responsible force. They did not enter the race to win the referendum at any cost, but to defend the principle of free voting. And this gave their campaign a dignity the opponent did not have. In the end, the challenge was not only political; it was moral and civic.
Today, as the country enters a new phase, it is clear that no one can govern for long against the conscious majority of the people. The people spoke. The Socialists accepted the challenge and stood by it bravely. That is why the result of the referendum will not be remembered only as a vote, but as a turning point in Albanian political life.
Surveys and polls: "NO" to the draft constitution
Surveys and polls:
"NO" to the draft constitution
In recent days, data gathered from various circles, citizens’ reactions, and observations made in the field clearly show that the draft constitution has failed to convince most of the population. Dissatisfaction with the way it has been drafted, the lack of political dialogue, and fear of the concentration of power have fueled an atmosphere of distrust that is now being expressed openly.
Various polls, as well as direct conversations with citizens, highlight a strong tendency toward a "NO" vote. This tendency is not limited to political circles; it is felt in neighborhoods, workplaces, universities, and rural areas. Voters say they cannot give their approval to a text that does not sufficiently guarantee freedoms and democratic balances.
A large part of the public considers the draft to be one-sided and built without consensus. They ask why such an important act was not based on a broad national debate. Instead, they have been offered a campaign overloaded with official propaganda, which has irritated more than convinced.
On the other hand, the opposition and especially the Socialists have managed to articulate clearly the reasons for their opposition. This has created a political terrain in which the "NO" vote is gaining civic legitimacy and is being seen as a normal democratic response. It now seems that referendum day will serve not only as a test of the document, but also as a measure of the real political climate in the country.
Meeting at the Headquarters of the Socialist Party
At the premises of the Socialist Party headquarters, a meeting was held with intellectuals, representatives of public life, and its supporters, where the political situation and the referendum were discussed. Those present expressed concern about the way state institutions are being used in support of the campaign for approval of the draft constitution.
In the remarks delivered, it was emphasized that Albania needs a constitution with consensus, built on dialogue and not on imposition. Participants praised the commitment of Socialist structures across the country and called on voters to appear calm and determined at the polling stations.
The meeting concluded with the conviction that despite pressure and propaganda, citizens will judge with maturity and responsibility. It was underlined that the result of the referendum will be of great importance for the democratic future of the country.
Beware of birth certificates!
According to our non-official correspondents, in many polling centers the distribution of new birth certificates has begun. These documents are expected to be used for voting by other persons in the name of citizens who are away from their place of residence. In some areas, unusual movement by the local administration and strong interest in the voter lists has been observed.
There have been cases in which citizens were asked to present additional documents or were subjected to procedural obstacles, while other persons appear to be favored. This raises serious doubts about the integrity of the process and requires immediate attention from the commissions and observers.
Citizens should be careful and verify their data, while opposition structures should follow every suspicious case responsibly. Any manipulation of the vote would be a serious blow to the credibility of the referendum.
How much did Berisha’s referendum campaign cost?
More clearly than anything else, this last week—with advertising, posters, trips, rallies, and numerous propaganda activities—shows that the state apparatus has been entirely put at the service of the official campaign. This has brought not only distortion of the political contest, but also huge financial costs paid by taxpayers.
In every city, vehicles, banners, printed materials, television airtime, and administrative movements have been seen, which cannot be explained as normal expenses. The question that arises is simple: how much has this campaign really cost the state, and whom is this money serving?
Critics point out that a referendum cannot be turned into a demonstration of power by those in authority. If public resources are spent without restraint in order to win a vote, then we are dealing with open abuse and a serious violation of political equality.
"No" to this constitution today, a better constitution tomorrow will say it
"No" to this constitution today, a
better constitution tomorrow will say it
The voice and the number of the vote, as it stands, show the fact that the overwhelming part of the left-wing electorate and the center are moving toward the anti vote. This vote is expressed not only as a rejection of an unsuitable text, but also as a demand for a more serious and more representative process.
Many citizens believe that a constitution born without mutual understanding cannot bring stability. Therefore the "No" vote is being understood as an investment in the future, for a fairer, more democratic, and more acceptable document for everyone. People do not want permanent institutional conflict; they seek clear and lasting rules.
In this sense, today’s rejection is not a denial of the need for a constitution. On the contrary, it is a call for a better constitution tomorrow, built through debate, patience, and respect for different opinions.
THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CONGRESS OF THE ANTIFASCIST WOMEN IS MARKED
THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CONGRESS OF THE
ANTIFASCIST WOMEN IS MARKED
With the organizing in tribute by P. A. V. and N. T. and also Durrës, where the commemorative meeting was held, the historical importance of the first congress of antifascist women and the role of women in the national liberation struggle and in the building of the country was emphasized.
In the welcoming speeches, the prominent figures of the women’s movement were remembered and their contribution to social emancipation was valued. The participants called for this legacy to be preserved and passed on to the younger generations as part of the national memory.
PRESS CONFERENCE OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY
Voices, press, and direct information with the PSH
Notice, Monday, 7 November 1994 at 12:00 near the party headquarters, press conference
on the conclusion of the political-constitutional referendum.
Newspapers, TV and the PSSH are invited to attend