Civilized political discourse in Albania needs to start from the top
TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL
Elections in Albania are often seen as do-or-die affairs by political leaders, and that’s never been more true than the polls scheduled to take place in a about week. Both politicians at the helm of the two big coalitions need a victory for their political survival. As they reach the peak of the campaign they need to make sure to keep the bigger picture in mind, understanding that what is good for the country should be a priority: A peaceful, civilized electoral campaign is key.
But the problem with the survival of mode mentality, which leads to a radicalization of discourse, goes beyond the two leaders. As the campaign goes on, Albania appears to be divided in two comps – complete with party flags waving overhead depending on the side of the street, the part of town of village one is in. Politics of division have entered every aspect of Albanian society, with jobs often on the line due to the unfortunate נand illegal נpractice of tying public sector jobs and contracts to political alliance rather than merit.
Discourse is deeply divisive too. Political candidates often spent as much time attacking the opponents as they do making their own proposals. The rhetoric is often crude, harsh and insulting. To makes thing worse, politically-motivated violence – one Albanians had hoped to have left behind has made a comeback.
A candidate of the recently created center-right New Democratic Spirit Party was severally beaten in the southwestern town of Roskovec recently, marking the latest episode of electoral violence in trend that has alarmed domestic and international observers.
Violence is never a good omen for Albania, and international preventatives have called on Albanians and all political parties to make sure the elections take place in a peaceful environment.
While many good things in Albania come from the bottom up, when it comes to setting a precedent on civilized political discourse – one that sees a political opponent not as an enemy but simply as a competitor – needs to start from the top.
The leaders at the top should apply the best practices of a democratic system and heed the advice of Albania’s EU and international partners. Everyone in Albania should refrain from violence, in accordance with the citizens’ expectation that the elections take place in a calm and peaceful environment, as recent EU statement points out.
“We call on to all Albanians to behave accordingly, and we expect the political parties to give strict instructions to their members and supporters in that respect,” EU’s representatives in Tirana noted in a recent statement. This newspaper fully agrees with the sentiment.
While campaigning in Albania has come a long way from the wilder days of this young democracy, Albania’s political leaders have a long way to go when it comes to treating their opponents with respect.
Civilized political discourse in Albania needs to start from the top. The mocking and cursing by political leaders and political rhetoric done in survival mode at the top can easily translate into a beating or property destruction at the bottom.
As such Albania’s political leaders hold the biggest responsibility in making sure this election campaign meets the best European and international standards.
