The Socialist Party was able to secure a third consecutive term after winning the largest share of the popular vote at the parliamentary polls held on Sunday.

Analyst Redi Shehu said that a third mandate for the SP is a “historic landmark for a political leader”, but at the same time, it bears great responsibility.

“A third term is a historic milestone for a leader in Albania. I am afraid that Basha with his speech sealed Rama till 2029. It seems as if there is no reflection or admitting to the result at all”, he said.

Journalist and host of Euronews Albania’s weekly show “Me Pak Fjalë” said that the Democratic Party must accept its loss as any other maneuver wouldn’t serve to its growth.

“The DP lost the elections. This must be analyzed as a loss because if it is not seen as such it won’t serve the DP. In September the Democratic Party will enter in the Assembly, take up their seats and then start doing politics”, said Neritan Sejamini.

MP Ralf Gjoni emphasized that both Lulzim Basha and Monika Kryemadhi should resign as they are responsible for the loss at the polls.

“The entire political system needs to be reformed. The first step is the resignation of the main opposition force because this is not Rama’s victory, but it’s Basha’s loss. SMI is “evaporating”. Monika Kryemadhi must resign today because tomorrow it will too late”, Gjoni said.

The director of the Institute for Democracy, Media & Culture (IDMC) emphasized that the unlawful “patron scheme” produced even more mandates for the Socialist Party.

“I think that the patron system infringed on many of our human rights, by intimidating people, I think it brought more mandates to the SP. I think that citizens chose wisely if they received a service in exchange for their vote”, she said.

MP Ralf Gjoni emphasized that both Lulzim Basha and Monika Kryemadhi should resign as they are responsible for the loss at the polls.