The LZHK and Right 1912 parties announced today the creation of an electoral coalition for the May 11 elections, underlining their joint commitment to full democracy and fair representation in the Albanian Parliament.
This cooperation comes after a period of joint efforts in the Constitutional Court to overturn closed lists, an issue that has raised concerns about the transparency and freedom of elections.
The new coalition aims for an open and fair list of candidates. This is an opportunity for citizens to have a real opportunity to choose their representatives, in a process that helps restore legality and the principles of democracy.
Dashamir Shehi has been appointed as guarantor of the technical-formal procedures for the registration of the coalition and the implementation of the electoral law. This coalition points out that parties that want to join it must unconditionally support SPAK and GJKKO, have a Western orientation, and continue efforts for an Electoral Code with open lists.
Press Statement – LZHK and Right 1912
“Dear journalists, LZHK and Right 1912, following the parliamentary cooperation and the joint effort in the Constitutional Court to overturn the closed lists, announce today the unification in an electoral coalition for the May 11 elections. This cooperation is the fruit of the common will of our two parties to participate in the elections, despite the arbitrary will of the SP and the DP, with a common open list of candidates for deputies.
We stand by our deep conviction that only cooperation through the common open list guarantees the free choice of citizens to send their representatives to the Assembly of the Republic of Albania. We also publicly repeat our invitation made in December to every party or movement to unite in a single open list, as the best mechanism to restore constitutionality, which can only be achieved through the principle of “Vote Preferred”.
LZHK and Right 1912 stand by the invitation for cooperation with any political entity that agrees with these principles:
Unreserved support to SPAK and GJKKO in the investigation and trial of corruption and organized crime.
Western orientation of Albania.
Continuing efforts for an Electoral Code with open lists.
We also invite every individual or political and civil activist who embraces these values to join this electoral race, which is vital for the country. The elections of May 11 will mark two eras: the end of the dominance of illegality and impunity, and the beginning of a journey where the law prevails, fair competition in every political and economic activity, the free market and meritocracy. The time to decide is now.
Remaining open to cooperation and in compliance with the deadlines of the Electoral Code for the registration of political entities and coalitions, LZHK and Right 1912 agree that the positions of each participant in the coalition are equal and based on mutual understanding. With the agreement of both parties, Mr. Dashamir Shehi has been appointed as the guarantor of technical-formal procedures. Starting today, we will start the procedures required by the law”.
Although they still do not have a name for the coalition, Dashamir Shehi has invited everyone to join the open list, stating that the rules of honesty will be respected, regardless of whether we are dealing with a large or small party.
“Many groups have been added here that will weigh down the list. But I am telling them as a guarantee that all parties have their space, it does not matter if they are small, all the rules of honesty will be respected. The name of the coalition will be announced on March 3. Time is not working for us, we have time. I invite everyone to join this open list, everyone can be a contributor. You have one week. I would like to make one last invitation. These gentlemen who have been in Albania for 30 years, will have to make room for the protagonist. If there are no other partners, we will submit it on the third”, said Shehi.
Asked Asked by journalists whether this grouping will be joined by former Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha, whose Euro-Atlantic Coalition has not yet registered with the CEC to participate in the elections, Shehi said that anyone is welcome.
“Mr. Basha has opened the door. We have had changes in views. I have put in place a kind of conditioning that we will lead, if they will accept the conditions they are welcome. Whether they have registered the party or not should be asked, we are registering today at lunch for minor bureaucracy. We confirm today that it will go as it will go, we are together with a joint list, if they like it, let them come”, Shehi replied.
