A unified candidate list: The new opposition's test of seriousness

18 Janar 2025, 22:30Op-Ed Mero Baze

Dashamir Shehi, the leader of Albania’s Movement for National Development party, recently called on all opposition parties unaffiliated with Sali Berisha and Ilir Meta to join forces and run on a unified candidate list in the May 11 elections. His goal is to strengthen the new opposition’s chances of securing parliamentary seats.

Shehi, who has so far aligned only with Enkelejd Alibeaj’s “Djathtas 1912,” advocates for new strategies to unite the fragmented opposition. He has invited other parties to collaborate with him to create a cohesive and effective opposition front.

A joint candidate list would address several challenges, including those posed by the closed-list electoral system. Under a unified list, party leaders could place their candidates on an open list, ensuring a fair competition for votes on election day. This approach would eliminate internal rivalries over securing favorable spots on the list and curb unrealistic expectations about election outcomes.

The benefits of running on a single list are significant. First, it would reduce division within the new opposition. Historically, the main weakness of the new opposition has been its fragmentation. Toxic rhetoric and petty accusations have alienated the public, making some leaders appear unappealing. A unified list would end such disputes, allowing all efforts to focus on achieving electoral success.

Second, unity would strengthen their political stance. A shared platform would enable them to present a unified front against both the government and the anti-Western opposition represented by Berisha and Meta. This strategy could attract votes from opposition supporters disillusioned with Berisha and Meta’s leadership.

Third, a coalition would challenge Berisha’s self-proclaimed dominance over the opposition. A broad alliance of new opposition parties would undermine his rhetoric and expose the flaws in his claims of monopoly. Even the formation of such a coalition would weaken Berisha’s narrative.

Moreover, collaboration fosters political maturity. Running on a single list would signal that these parties are serious contenders, moving beyond the image of anti-system actors. It would also curb personal egos, allowing leaders to focus on comprehensive electoral programs rather than individual ambitions.

A unified list would also simplify election logistics. Albania’s voting infrastructure presents significant challenges, particularly for small parties lacking resources. By running together, they could pool resources and streamline the management of the electoral process, making it more efficient.

Additionally, a joint list would help small parties withstand the dominance of established parties. Despite increased visibility during the final weeks of the campaign, Albanian voters tend to favor major parties. A unified opposition would stand a better chance of resisting this trend and maintaining voter attention.

Above all, such an alliance would demonstrate political maturity. None of the leaders of the small parties enjoy significant individual popularity, and unity would help dispel any delusions of grandeur among them.

While the feasibility of this coalition remains uncertain, it is clear that neither Berisha, Meta, nor Prime Minister Edi Rama want the small parties to unite. If the new opposition fails to come together, they should abandon claims of dismantling the status quo. Their current fragmentation only serves to preserve the dominance of the established parties.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "Lista e përbashkët e opozitës së re, si shenjë serioziteti opozitar"

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