Closed lists: A favor to Berisha to secure his grip on the opposition

Albania’s Constitutional Court has overruled a request by some political parties to overturn the electoral law amendments passed in July. These amendments, passed with the votes of the Socialist Party and Sali Berisha’s Democratic Party (DP), stipulate that 30% of the candidate lists in the upcoming elections will be closed lists.

This understanding between the Socialist Party and Berisha came together quickly after the Socialists acknowledged him as the legitimate leader of the Democratic Party. In doing so, they effectively handed Berisha temporary control of the opposition.

For those unfamiliar with the new electoral law, it means that party leaders will directly select 30% of the candidate lists, while the rest of the candidates must compete among themselves. However, according to polls and expectations, the DP is unlikely to surpass the 30% threshold in most regions. As a result, the DP’s winning candidates will almost entirely consist of those chosen by Berisha.

Unlike Edi Rama, Berisha will effectively know the composition of his parliamentary group as soon as he submits his party’s candidate list to the Central Election Commission (CEC). Meanwhile, Rama and the Socialist Party have taken a different approach. They have announced that the party’s established figures will compete in the open lists, reserving the 30% closed-list spots for new members. This strategy aims to refresh the party’s parliamentary group and test the old guard as they aim for a decisive victory in the upcoming elections.

Each party has its own strategy. Edi Rama is fighting for a fourth term in power, while Berisha is focused on securing a fourth term in opposition. For Berisha, this is acceptable as long as he maintains control over the opposition’s parliamentary group and the amendments to the electoral law, supported by the Socialist Party, guarantee this outcome for him.

This explains why Berisha did not hesitate to join forces with Rama in July, despite their political differences. Many were surprised by Berisha’s sudden cooperation with the government without setting any conditions. In reality, Berisha had no need to ask for more than what Rama offered. The electoral changes effectively handed him control of the DP, allowing him to decide who from his party will serve as MPs in the next legislature.

The behavior of current DP MPs reflects this dynamic. Many are engaging in almost comical efforts to impress Berisha and secure their place in the next parliament. Meanwhile, Berisha observes them quietly, fully aware of the power he holds over their political futures.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "Listat e mbyllura, 'qokë' që Berisha të fitojë opozitën"