Opposition still in internal conflict

TIRANA, Sep 2 – The opposition has started its electoral campaign with an internal fight regarding who is to enter the coalition and which party will likely lead it.
The main Socialist Patty of Tirana Mayor Edi Rama has secured the support of the Christian Democrats of Skender Gjinushi and, also, the Social Democrats of Paskal Milo who was previously expected to join a different group.
The Socialists also claim they may be joined by the ethnic Greek minority political party, the Human Rights Union Party, and also G99, more a political non-governmental association than a party.
On the other end of the political spectrum there is the Socialist Movement for Integration of Ilir Meta which has threatened that they may run alone and still win next year’s elections.
Meta has been in conflict with Rama since the passing of constitutional amendments in April, accusing the mayor of an illegal collaboration with the governing Democrats in creating a new regional proportional voting system that many believe will harm smaller political parties.
On Tuesday, Meta received the support of Petro Koci, a former top Socialist politician.
Albania will hold general elections next year, likely in June but, meanwhile, the parliament has still to pass a new electoral code, which is expected to be completed by the end of this month.