SP: Police accompanies prisoners to vote
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-The Socialist Party has accused police structures in prisons to have accompanied the prisoners with vans toward the poll stations. In a press conference, the SP MP, Mimi Kodheli has declared that the prisoners have been accompanied to vote with vans of the prison police, an action which is not in conformity to the law. According to her, these actions of the Prison police are totally illegal. ?We posses information about the names of the persons, workers of the prison police, who have been involved in this operation. All these persons will be denounced in conformity to the law?, stressed Kodheli. The SP MP added that the situation is unbearable as it is treated about a direct implication of the State Police structures on the threatening of the electoral process.
Ajtyjesa: Every vote increases the power of decision-making to democracy
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-The member of the Socialist Party assembly Megi Ajtyjesa, has appealed to citizens through a press declaration to go and vote to their poll stations, as time is running out. ?You have to be patient with the long queues as the process is a bit longer than usual in Tirana. You have to phone to every friend of yours and invite him or her to vote. Every vote increases the power of decision-making to the democracy.?At the end of her press declaration, Ajtyjesa highlighted that the vote is secret and you are the ones who protect your vote through your participation from north to south.
The battle for the 12 main municipalities in Albania
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-Today is the day when the two political camps will face each other in the local elections, which have been considered as the most important ones in the past 20 years. This electoral race is very aggravated due to the protest of January 21 where 4 protestors of the opposition died. The toughest battles are in the 12 largest municipalities which have the largest number of voters and also the second level municipalities and communes of the country. We hope that these elections will assist Albania to come closer to the EU.
TIRANA
The two largest parties in the country, the DP and the SP enter in this electoral race with known figures. The strongest battle is the capital, where two of the most prominent political figures are running against each other. Edi Rama has been the Mayor of Tirana since 2000. Since then, Tirana has seen many important demographic and social developments. Rama is racing to obtain a fourth mandate of the biggest metropolis in the country. The truth is that during the years that Rama has been the mayor of Tirana, he could have changed more in this city. With the slogan ?The only way?, Rama demands the vote of the citizens to continue what he considers as the Project for a European Tirana. On the other hand, his opponent, Lulezim Basha wants to win this mandate for a bigger dedication as the head of the municipality. Lulezim Basha has been one of the most prominent figures in Berisha?s government. He?s the man who?s considered by the democrats as the architect of NATO membership and the liberalization of visas. With the slogan ?You come first?, Basha wants to become mayor of Tirana.
Elbasan
Another important confrontation is that in Elbasan, where Qazim Sejdini of the Socialist Party races against Durim Hushi of the Socialist Movement for Integration. Sejdini won his first mandate as the candidate of the Socialist Party in 200, after losing in 2003. Sejdini is considered as a mayor who has contributed a lot for the city and is considered as favorite in these elections. Racing against him is Durim Hushi, a former socialist, who has joined several months ago to the Socialist Movement for Integration led by Ilir Meta. The reason that he broke up with the Socialist Party was his voting for Bamir Topi, as president of the republic in 2007 by disobeying the order of his party to vote.
Durres
In Durres, we have the current mayor of Durres, Vangjush Dako, who is racing for a second mandate and the former Minister of Culture, Ferdinand Xhaferraj, who the democrats have considered him as one of the most important ministers of Berisha?s government. With the slogan ?The only way for Durres?, Dako wants to continue the initiated projects, whereas Xhaferraj with his slogan, ?Durres deserves more?, promises the return of the city in one of the centers of tourism in the region
Fier
In Fier, the mayor of the city, Baftiar Zeqaj runs for a third mandate in the most important city of Myzeqe. Against him is Ilir Bele who runs with the slogan ?Together for Fier?. Democrats want to win in a socialist stronghold such as Fier, but according to the exit polls, Zegjaj is likely to be elected for a third mandate.
Lushnje
Lushnje is a town where the race is very strong. The current mayor Albert Sanxhaku, who 4 years ago was elected as a representative of the Socialist Party, he now represents the Socialist Movement for Integration. Against Sanxhaku is the former socialist MP, Fatos Tusha. During the past 4 years, Sanxhaku has neglected many works of the town and for this reason, Tusha is expected to be the winner.
Vlore
In Vlore the race is taking place between the current mayor of Vlore, Shpetim Gjika and the former democrat MP, Ardian Kollozi. Gjika demands his third mandate. Gjika, as all the candidates of the ?Alliance for the Future?, races with the slogan ?The only way for Vlore?. On the other hand, his rival, Ardian Kollozi, a well known personality amongst democrats, wants to break the tradition of Vlore which for years they have been voting for the left in the local elections.
Berat
In Berat, the race is taking place between the current mayor Fadil Nasufi of the Socialist Party, who races for a third mandate. In front of him is Ilir Decolli, who runs for the ?Alliance for the Citizen?. Berat is a town which has voted for the left for three mandates in a row, but due to the dissatisfaction of the citizens with the four year work of Nasufi, it?s very likely for them to vote for the democrat candidate, Decolli.
Korca
2 strong candidates are running in Korce, Niko Peleshi who is running for a second mandate, after his victory in 2007 and who is running with the slogan ?A step forward?. Against him is running Andrea Mano, who has promised to bring changes for Korce. The rivalry is very strong and according to the exit polls, Mano is favored as a winner in this city.
Gjirokaster
The southern town of Gjirokaster involves the race between the current mayor, Flamur Bime who runs for a third mandate and Genc Sinoimeri, who runs for the Socialist Movement for Integration. The residents of Gjirokaster are not very satisfied with the work of Bimo, who has left many promises unfulfilled.
Lezhe
In Lezhe, we have another strong battle. That between Viktor Tusha of the Socialist Movement for Integration, current mayor, who is running for his third mandate. In 2007, he was declared a winner as a representative of the Socialist Party and the Socialist Movement for Integration. Racing against him is a very strong candidate of the Socialist Party, the former MP, Gjok Jaku, who has been the mayor of Lezhe before. The municipality of this town is predicted to be won by the candidate of the SP.
Shkoder
The largest center of the north, a 20 year stronghold of the Democratic Party, Shkoder, has today in the race its current mayor Lorenc Luka against the socialist candidate, Genc Uruci. Although this city suffered natural disasters last year and the government didn?t assist a lot, it?s predicted that Shkoder will once again be run by Luka of the Democratic Party.
Peshkopi
In the district of Diber, in the municipality of Peshkopi, the current mayor Ilir Klosi who represents the Democratic Party, runs for a third mandate. In front of him is Ilir Vraci who represents the Socialist Party. Predictions see Klosi as a winner.
Kukes
In Kukes, the current democrat mayor Hasan Halilaj is racing against the Socialist Party candidate, Alfred Cenko. Although Halilaj hasn?t kept many of his promises in the past four years, it?s predicted for him to be the winner. Nonetheless, the race is expected to be strong.
Saranda
In Saranda we have the race between the current democrat mayor Rajmond Gjoka and the candidate of the Socialist Party, Stefan Cipa. A lot is being talked about projects which have not been achieved, for the cementing of the beach and the beautiful scenery. According to the predictions, the socialist candidate will come out as the winner.
Tepelene
In the municipality of Tepelene, the race will take place between the current mayor Sevo Mici and Mehmet Peci, who represents the Socialist Party. The race is strong and a rotation in the direction of the municipality if expected.
The municipalities of Ballsh, Lac, Librazhd, Gramsh, Kavaje, Peqin, Pogradec, Tropoje are also expected to have strong races, but what?s important is that this race concludes without major problems which could penalize Albania.
Basha appeals for calm elections
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-The candidate of the Democratic Party for Tirana municipality Lulzim Basha appealed to all citizens to be part of a peaceful election process. ?Today is a beautiful day and I invite all the citizens to be calm on the day?,-said Basha during a declaration to the media. Basha voted near the kindergarten no: 13 in Tirana.?The democrat candidate voted with his family, whereas Aurela, was not present, as she is a Dutch national for years.
Tirana, police gives explanation about the incident in Kombinat
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-Tirana police explains the incident taken place today in Kombinat, near ?Myslym Keta? school in the capital. According to police, three citizens have been involved in a brawl. Vladimir Hysi, 53, elderly of the borough no:6 in Tirana, Gildian Koraqi, 51, Bujar Karaj, 32, have been involved in the conflict. The persons have been engaged in a debate in ?Myslym Keta? school yard, the 53 year old Vladmir Hysi has been hit. Currently Gildian Koraqi and Bujar Karaj have been accompanied to the police station.
One injured at the poll station no: 2304 in Elbasan
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-An incident has taken place today at the poll station no: 2304 at the town of Elbasan, where as a result of a brawl between two supporters of both wings, one of them has remained injured. According to the latest information, Kastriot Zhigu has been hit with strong objects by Ilir Dedja at the moment he has left the poll station. Zhigu has been hit with strong objects, and then has been immediately sent to Elbasan hospital, where he has received medical treatment.?Meanwhile, Elbasan police has started a criminal proceeding against Ilir Dedja on the offense of ?premeditated abuse?.
Shkoder, voting process interrupted in Kuc village
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-The voting process has been interrupted in Kuc village of Shkoder after the departure of the Socialist Party commissioners, where the left commissioners have left the poll station as they were not certain if they had to continue their? job or not. Meanwhile the Democratic Party has deposited a lawsuit against the commissioners and against Tom Doshi. The candidate of the left wing in Gur i zi commune, says that the commissioners are being threatened. Another incident has taken place even in Vau i Dejes, where the SP candidate has been threatened. So far, the participation in elections has been low and the situation in general is calm for the district.
Fier, SP: The left commissioners threatened in Libofshe
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-The left commissioners in Libofsh commune of Fier district affirm to have been threatened by a group of people who are renowned as dangerous persons in the area.?According to the latest information, small problems have been registered in all the communes, as well as problems with the ink which is easily wiped out from the finger. The percentage of voters? participation in elections, according to a TIR-FAX correspondent in the area is 16 % till 03:30 pm.
SP deposits a criminal proceeding on the attempt to vote? with fake identity cards
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-The Socialist Party confirmed at midday to have deposited a criminal proceeding against two persons seized with fake identity cards. The commissioners of the Socialist Party have seized two persons trying to vote with fake identity cards at the poll station nr 1718. These two persons have been introduced as brothers, members of Lloci family, but the SP commissioners have immediately discovered that their identity cards have been counterfeited. SP has immediately deposited a criminal proceeding against both persons and has appealed to all those who try to vote with fake identity cards to quit the attempt.
Problems with commissioners from both wings
Tirana May 8, 2011 TIR-FAX-According to very correct information provided from the Central Election Commission, we learn that problems have been encountered with the departure of the commissioners from both wings from several poll stations. Two commissioners of the DP, after debating with the SP commissioners, have left the election process in the villages of Gaffer and Sopot, whereas in Ravonik, the same phenomenon has been repeated by the commissioners of the Socialist Party, as they have left the election process, after being confronted with serious threats by the democrats in the area. As we notice, the same phenomenon continues to be present as it reflects the same scheme of 1996. The situation is seen with criticism by the foreign observers, as the abandonment of poll stations by commissioners comprises a violation of the law.
A record number of emigrants arrive to vote
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The May 8 elections have led to the arrival of a record number of emigrants in the country with the aim to vote. During the last 24 hours, around 14000 emigrants from Greece have arrived in the country. This is the largest number of emigrants arrived in Albania to participate in the elections. TIR-FAX learns that until the late hours of last night, 6200 residents of Himare have arrived from Greece to vote. As we see, these elections have been valued by the Albanian emigrants, who have spent money in order to come and vote and for Albania to change for good and become a member of the EU.
Topalli: Today a day to celebrate for all the Albanians
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The Madam Speaker of Parliament, Jozefina Topalli, has voted today around 10:00 am at the poll station no: 306 in Shkoder, at the Faculty of Foreign languages in the city of Shkoder. During a media declaration after she voted, Topalli said that today is a day to celebrate by all the Albanians, as this is their day. These will be the freest elections ever, where citizens, wherever they are will vote free, the same as a Europe citizens?, stressed Topalli. ?I am sure that these elections will be the best elections ever.
The attack against Top Channel TV crew, aggressor arrested
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-Police have arrested the person that attacked the TV crew of Top Channel in ?Qyteti i Studentit? poll station in Tirana. According to the latest information, the arrested person is called Agim Tocilla, who has been accompanied to the police station.?The journalist of Top Channel TV station, Marin Mema and the cameraman Eno Cucllari were violated by a group of persons, who had sequestered even the camera of the TV crew.
Fier, police: Incidents in several poll stations
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The directorate of Fier district police informs to have registered some incidents in some poll stations, whereas in general the voting process has been calm. Also, police have intervened as asked by the commissioners, according to the law.?The directorate of the district police declares to have undertaken all the measures in maintaining law and order in the district, in conformity to the Albanian legislation.
Kodheli: Police should accomplish its duty
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The MP of the Socialist Party, Mimi Kodheli has appealed to the stopping of the manipulation attempts and has urged the State Police to accomplish its duty. She has condemned the act of violence against Top Channel TV crew and has made public the name of the aggressor. ?The commissioners of the SP are officially informed on these attempts, as those who try to vote with a fake identity risk imprisonment to five years. Every commissioner should maintain calm and apply the law. This should be done even by the State Police, which haven?t accomplished its duty properly. ?We are controlling the situation and if police don`t possesses yet the name of the aggressor who attached Top Channel TV crew, we are providing this information to them, he is Agim Tollica?, – stressed the socialist MP. She has appealed all the citizens to vote, by accomplishing their obligation to vote.
Dade: The can be easily erased
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The Socialist MP Arta Dade has denounced in Top Channel, the poor quality of the ink used to dye the voter`s fingers after voting. She has stressed that the ink can be wiped out easily and that is proven by many citizens, who have managed to wipe it out from their finger. She has stressed to report the problem to OSCE-ODIHR instances.??I will contact with OSCE-ODIHR and it is proven that this is a flagrant case?, declared Dade.
Rama encourages people to vote massively
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The current mayor of Tirana and candidate for this position, Edi Rama has voted today at 11:40 at borough Nr. 7 in the capital.?Accompanied by his mother, Aneta Rama, his wife Linda and his son, Gregory, the head of the opposition has appeared in front of the voting commission, has gone to the secret room and then put the vote in the ballot box.?In a declaration for the media, the candidate for the capital, Edi Rama has called upon the Albanian people not to hesitate to vote.??Not to vote today is to accept unemployment, to accept poverty, thus every family that wants wellbeing must vote?, said Rama.?Rama also said that citizens should have faith on the miracle of vote, therefore they should go and vote in order for the power of their vote to be large.
Topi: People should vote for dignity and their presige
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The head of the state, Bamir Topi, accompanied by his wife and two daughters have voted today at borough Nr. 9 in Tirana.?In a declaration for the media, President Topi declared that it?s a powerful emotion for him, because he returns to the school where he has completed the first grade to vote today for the progress of democracy.??It?s a beautiful day and I?d like to address to my fellow people to take advantage of this day. Citizens have the right to a vote. Let them vote for whomever they like in order to vote for their dignity and their prestige?, said Topi for the media.
Nano: The vote should distance citizens from January 21
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The former Prime Minister of the country, Fatos Nano, accompanied by his wife, Xhoana Nano, has voted today in borough Nr. 10 in the capital. In a short declaration for the media, the former Prime Minister declared that this day is very significant for the Albanian people.??We?re far from the elections taken place during the communist regime and from the elections of 1997. We?re very close to Europe and I hope that this vote will distance citizens from other 21 Januaries?, said Nano.
Sequi: The elections are a possibility to show political maturity
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-During the inspection in the voting centers in Tirana, the ambassador of the European Union in Tirana, Etore Sequi declared that these elections are an excellent opportunity for Albania to show democratic and political maturity.??I?m trying to inspect as many centers as I can, because I think that these elections are an excellent opportunity for Albania to show political and democratic maturity?, declared Sequi.?The EU ambassador also underlined the fact that the observers will inspect the voting centers throughout the country by declaring that the maintenance of these elections is important for the European integration of the country.
Wollfarth and Topi encourage citizens to vote
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The President of the Republic, Bamir Topi along with the ambassador of the OSCE, Eugen Wollfarth have encouraged citizens today to vote massively from the castle of Petrele, whereas to the political class to accept the result of the elections.?In his speech, the head of the state said that Albanians today must celebrate and avoid provoking any incidents.?On his side, ambassador Wollfarth has called upon citizens to vote and that so far, the voting process has been a normal one. He has greeted the commissioners and the police forces for the contribution given, because according to him, their work will not end at 7 pm, but once the counting process is completed.
Lenarcic meets Topi
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-?The Electoral Code consists on a completed technical basis for the holding of democratic elections and what is needed is the commitment of the political parties to respect the law.?This was declared today by the general director of ODIHR, Janez Lenarcic during a meeting with President Bamir Topi in the framework of the monitoring of the May 8 local government elections.?In this meeting, Lenarcic informed the head of the state on the concrete work and the monitoring which the mission of observers continues to carry out in the country and the preliminary report that ODIHR mission will come out at the end of the elections.
On his side, the head of the state, Bamir Topi valued the engagement and the work of ODIHR with this mission to help not only the preparations of the elections, but also their successful completion.
Ristani: 21.89 % of Albanians have voted so far
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The head of Central Election Commission, Arben Ristani has declared that 21.89 % of the Albanian voters ha participated in elections so far. In a press conference, Ristani has stressed that 20 % of the voters have voted in Tirana, while he added that the trend of voters may increase. While referring to the problems encountered in Tirana municipality, Ristani stressed that if we compare it with the poll stations in other towns, the problems encountered in Tirana are smaller. According to him, the non opening of poll stations is one of the biggest problems in the country, where there are at least 8 poll stations which are not opened yet. According to CEC, the participation in elections till 14:00 pm in Berat is 23.21 %, in Diber district 23.73%, in Durres district is 18.55 %, in Elbasan district is 25.29 %, in Fier district is 13.79 %, in Gjirokaster district it is 25.35 %, Korca 23.68 %, Kukes 25.39 %, Lezha 23.68 %, Shkoder 23.07 %. Tirana district 17.57 % and Vlora district 16.34 %.
Kukan at borough Nr 2: I believe that the elections will be free
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The reporter of the European Parliament for Albania, who has arrived in Albania, has monitored the process of voting at borough Nr. 2. In a declaration for the media, Kukan said that in general, the voting process in this center was normally being carrying out, in spite of the fact that there had been problems with the ink which was erasable. Asked if he would meet with Albanian leaders, Kukan said that he will not have meetings with them. In the meantime, the reporter of the European Parliament for Albania, Kukan said that the May 8 elections will be free, because our country deserves the membership in the European Union.
OSCE, Lenarcic: We?re observing, the counting process is important
Tirana, May 8, 2011, TIR-FAX-The director of the OSCE/ODIHR, Janez Lenarcic, who has arrived in Tirana to monitor the process of voting, held a meeting today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edmond Haxhinasto.?In a declaration for the media, Lenarcic said these elections are very important.??We?re aware of the importance of this electoral process and this is the reason why were so many in number today. We have around 300 observers and collaborators in the entire country and we?re observing the voting process today?, said Lenarcic in a declaration for the media.
