Socialsits to resume street protests

TIRANA, Feb. 3 – The main opposition Socialsit Party of Tirana Mayor Rama said that they will return to the holding of street protests based on their slogan ‘Open the Ballots, Or Leave’, calling on Prime Minsiter Sali Berisha to agree on recounting a number of ballot boxes.
The Socialsits have boycotted the new parlaiment since the start of its sessions in September saying the June 28, 2009 parliamentary elections were ‘deformed’ at the recount process.
The Socialsits have 64 seats in the parliament followed by an ally with another seat.
Berisha’s Democrats and their allies have 71 seats and Socialist Movement for Integration of Ilir Meta in coalition with them has four seats.
Ethem Ruka of the Socialsits said they would resume street protests later this month.
Socialsits started protests in October to be followed with their biggest on November 20 and some more before Christmas. They have delayed resuming street protests due to the flooding in northwestern Albania earlier this year.
The Socialsits have made it clear that recounting of a number of ballot boxes is indisputable.
The governing Democrats say that is not possible as that would break the laws. The Electoral College has made its decision.
Meanwhile it is very much expected that mediation from the international community, supporting the country’s presidential role, will resolve the dispute.