Opposition threatens boycott of parliament

Tirana, Aug. 10 – Albanian leftist Socialist Party-led opposition threatened a boycott of parliament unless the ruling majority accepts the terms of electoral reform currently presented by them. The opposition claims that there should be consensual electoral reform and the parliament should resume work towards that goal. As already known, their main concerns are the voters’ list and the make up of the Central Electoral Commission. They always say that the temporary voters’ list should not be operational for the upcoming local government elections, expected early next year, claiming that the government may use the list to their unfair advantage. They are also against the election of a CEC member from the parliament that is a Democratic Party member.
Last Tuesday Socialist leader Edi Rama gathered main leaders of the other four allies expressing their determination not to move from their position. A day earlier Hubert Petit, acting head of the European Commission Delegation in Tirana, had issued a strong warning that was directed to them, though not mentioned specifically. “The EU integration process requires joint efforts of all Albanian political forces. Successful efforts in the field of economic reform should be carried out in a sounder political environment, which is more conducive to progress. The latest events in Parliament have unfortunately showed a lack of political maturity. A more constructive stance and shared responsibility are crucial features in this context. It is also important to intensify efforts to build consensus on reforms through dialogue between all forces and stakeholders of the Albanian society and to avoid an unnecessary confrontational political climate,” said Petit at a ceremony where the EU was offering a financial help to the country.
Opposition leaders also asked for the interference of the international community to resolve the political crisis in the country.
The governing Democratic Party-led coalition also says they are determined to not move from their position. Interior Minister Sokol Olldashi invited opposition experts to check the voters’ list preparation. Meanwhile Gazmend Oketa, spokesman of the party, said they may go to the elections themselves, despite the lack of the opposition’s presence.