The electoral process leading to the May 14 mayoral elections was a well-structured criminal operation at all levels, said Ilir Meta, former President of Albania, now chairman of the Freedom Party. Speaking to the television A2News he blamed the opposition loss only on Prime Minister Edi Rama instead of his and Sali Berisha’s name in the coalition Together We Win. Speaking facts, Meta said Socialist directors and administrators with black bags full of money and with weapons were seen in the ballot stations.

“This is the result of a well-structured criminal operation at all levels and the citizens are aware of it, no matter whom they voted for. The operation started with Rama’s decision not to allow the Democratic Party to register at the court, with his control on the judiciary and with the game with the (DP) seal till the deadline of registration”, said Meta.

The former President however showed notes of optimism as the elections ended the absolute monism at local government level thanks to the opposition representation in the municipal councils, after four years of absence following the opposition’s boycott of the mayoral elections of 2019.

“Let’s not forget that the opposition brought an end to the absolute monism in the local administrations where the opposition had zero councilors. The opposition will be present in the municipal councils and will start a process of accountability that will have its impact”.