At noon, the deadline for the submission of candidacies that want to be part of the race for the head of the Democratic Party expired. Sali Berisha has ensured that he will be without rivals in the race, referring to the new guidelines published only 24 hours before the deadline for candidates, excluding from the race those convicted by final decision as well as those who are not members of the party.
The application of Evi Kokalari, Alesia Balli and Ervin Salianji was not accepted. The representatives of the latter left the documents at the reception, a symbolic gesture, while the DP offices were empty and none of the party figures were present. All 3 have said that they will submit the documentation electronically and why the chances of being accepted as candidates are zero. The only application that has been accepted is that of doctor Mejreme Sela, while the only official candidacy is that of Sali Berisha.
The instruction dated March 18, but published only yesterday, giving candidates 24 hours to prepare all the documents, automatically excludes from the race those convicted by a final decision, that is Salian, sentenced to 1 year in prison for the “Babale” file.
Sali Berisha says that Evi Kokalari cannot be part of the race as she is not a member of the Democratic Party, one of the basic criteria. The same argument applies to Alesia Balliu. Meanwhile, the term “self-exclusion” is also used for Ervin Salianji, after he went against the party leaders, one more reason not to be in the race.
“The criteria for the candidates for the President of the DPSH are:
Member of the Democratic Party, figure with a very high public and political profile, with political and electoral commitment of at least 10 years in the Democratic Party;
To have leadership experience at the national/regional level in the political struggles of the Democratic Party, for civic and political causes;
To meet the eligibility criteria according to law no. 138/2015 “On guaranteeing the integrity of persons who are elected, appointed or exercise public functions”.
