The leader of the Democratic Party (PD), Sali Berisha, has urged Albanians living abroad to register and participate in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of diaspora involvement. Speaking during a meeting with PD branch leaders, Berisha set a clear deadline of March 12 for registration, stressing the need to mobilize Albanians living overseas to significantly increase their electoral participation.
A Strategic Focus on the Diaspora
Berisha criticized political opponents, inviting them to engage in public debates to discuss PD’s program. Confident that the party’s platform will provide concrete solutions to Albania’s economic and social challenges, Berisha highlighted key priorities such as infrastructure development, improved education standards, and enhanced healthcare services.
He called on party members to take proactive steps to identify and engage with Albanians abroad. Stressing the significance of direct communication and social media, Berisha described these elections as a chance to triple the diaspora’s vote, encouraging every party supporter to reach out to at least two additional voters abroad.
Modest Budgets and Grassroots Efforts
Berisha emphasized PD’s commitment to modest and widespread campaigning. “We do not hold lavish meetings costing 200,000 euros,” he remarked, contrasting this with his party’s approach of conducting hundreds of small, medium, and large-scale gatherings. He stressed that these meetings would be manageable within the modest budgets of party members and supporters.
The campaign will rely heavily on small, targeted meetings rather than extravagant events, focusing on maximizing personal connections and engaging Albanians through meaningful interactions. Berisha encouraged members to leverage their networks of family and friends abroad, noting that many PD supporters have lived in migration and can mobilize their connections effectively.
Mobilizing Resources and Digital Tools
Berisha outlined the resources PD has prepared to facilitate diaspora participation:
- Registration Platform: A dedicated PD platform allows Albanians abroad to receive guidance on registering with the Central Election Commission (KQZ).
- Call Center: A call center has been set up to provide direct assistance and ensure continuous communication with diaspora voters.
- Coordination Teams: Working groups have been formed to organize meetings and campaigns in regions with high concentrations of emigrants.
- Digital Communication: Efforts are underway to modernize communication tools, making it easier to reach voters and provide essential information.
Importance of Engaging Local Communities Abroad
Berisha stressed the importance of tailoring the campaign to specific communities, asking branch leaders to identify areas with significant populations from regions like Mat, Gramsh, and Librazhd. This targeted approach ensures that efforts are focused where they will have the greatest impact.
He also urged party leaders to actively inform the central coordination group about their activities, ensuring alignment and support for local initiatives. “You are the leaders who know best where our people are. We rely on you to guide our efforts and maximize outreach,” Berisha said.
A Call to Action
Berisha concluded with a call to action for PD supporters to use the remaining time effectively. He emphasized that March 12 is a critical deadline, as only those registered by this date will be eligible to vote in May’s elections. “This election is a golden opportunity for every democrat to triple their vote by reaching out to two others abroad,” he said.
Berisha expressed optimism about PD’s chances, citing growing enthusiasm for the party’s vision and leadership. “I see a climate of great optimism for PD’s victory,” he declared, urging everyone to contribute to the campaign and capitalize on this opportunity to secure a brighter future for Albania.
