By Ben Andoni
The political divide over the recent general elections paints a sadly familiar picture in our national landscape. The first OSCE/ODIHR report only deepens the sense of our political misery, despite the restrained and diplomatic language of this prestigious—albeit non-executive—body. Nevertheless, the elections remained within acceptable standards, although the inappropriate behavior of candidates and political actors, some of whom went so far as to use violence in certain areas, speaks to a fundamental truth: in Albania, doubt and distrust have become our de facto religion.
As is custom, during the electoral process, political parties never trust one another. Together, they often throw the Central Election Commission into disarray; commissioners are pressured by the parties; ballot counters by everyone; and in the end, politicians resort to nothing but insults, utterly incapable of accepting defeat. Berisha remains a unique case—but so too is the entire culture he has passed down.
Another major concern is that even after a comprehensive vetting process in the justice system, which removed dozens of judges and prosecutors, neither political side—nor their surrounding figures—believe there are institutions they can turn to when problems arise. Much like with these elections, the state, for Albanian politicians, is merely the institution they themselves construct.
And so, in the midst of this process—where the winner is already taking shape—the losers are doing all they can to smear it, while the winner, with a cynical grin, celebrates a victory that reeks of moral compromise, bolstered by improper and ethically questionable resources.
On its European path, “modern” Albania is presenting itself as archaic and repulsive, immature in the eyes of its own people—so desperately hungry for political power, known all too well to bring prosperity instead of dignity, supremacy instead of integrity, hollow power instead of normalcy. The wounds of our democracy are only deepening, not healing. Berisha added yet another problematic chapter to his legacy, effectively dismantling the Democratic Party and the public’s trust, while Rama erased another chapter of hope for Albanians, who long for their country to be simply… normal.
(Source: Javanews)