Debate over DP’s organization, Spaho to Alimehmeti: “No need for restructuring, only a fair competition”

Former Democratic Party (PD) MP Edmond Spaho has responded to Ilir Alimehmeti, one of PD’s most voted figures on May 11, who called for a party restructuring following its heavy defeat.

In a social media post, Spaho stated that PD simply needs to get organized, a process he says has been lacking for the past 10 years. He compared the current situation to 1992, noting that back then branch leaders had higher education, whereas today “some don’t even have an 8-year education.”

Spaho also seemed to target certain individuals, adding that there can be no proper party organization when a “master of disorganization” is put in charge.

“Today, at the branches, we have no structures, no leaders, and very few members. We are left empty-handed. It is regrettable, but if in 1992 every section head had higher education, today some don’t even have an 8-year education. With these people, we try to convince citizens that we are an alternative and that they should vote for us,” he said.

Spaho further stated that the party only needs a fair internal election, free from manipulation and pre-determined outcomes, adding that only then could it truly compete with the Socialist Party (PS).

Full reaction from Spaho:

Dear Ilir,

I don’t understand this term “restructuring.” What does it mean? It seems like some sort of alien concept, or modernization beyond what we can realistically achieve.

Ordinary people get the impression that nobody knows what will happen. We would be reinventing the wheel.

In my view, PD simply needs to get organized, because for the past 10 years it has only been disorganized.

Today, at the branches, we have no structures, no leaders, and very few members. We are left empty-handed. It is regrettable, but if in 1992 every section head had higher education, today some don’t even have an 8-year education. With these people, we try to convince citizens that we are an alternative and that they should vote for us.

Everything at the branch level is voluntary and without funding, something that has never happened before in the party’s history, not even in its most difficult years.

There can be no proper organization when a “master of disorganization” is put in charge. This is what I call organized disorganization.

Secondly, I don’t understand this idea of “opening up.” PD has been torn apart since 1997 due to being too open. We have been so open over the years that it has become a problem. PD doesn’t need opening or closing this is a refrain we hear every four years when we lose elections.

Ilir, PD only needs one thing: a fair internal election, free from manipulation and pre-determined outcomes.

Once that is achieved, people will be drawn to PD, and it will be capable of competing with the Socialist Party and defeating Edi Rama.

“KORÇA BOOM”