Basha speaks after winning the DP elections: No new chairman was elected, but the political action line was determined

Number one The DP in his address said the Democrats with this vote showed they were against Edi Rama and against co-operation with him. He also invited all Democrats to become together and all energy to go against Rama.

Lulzim Basha's full statement:

Dear brothers and sisters, Democrats and Democrats, as I said a few days ago, and as each of you knew, on Sunday the eyes of the Albanians were headed by the Democratic Party. They didn't wait long, and you didn't miss your clear and strong response! You proudly showed that we are standing, that we are united, that we are strong, and that when difficulties seem insurmountable, we never give up!

So I want to thank each one of you, from the founder to the newest members, for the most beautiful exercise of democracy within our party, in a unique process which once again gives the Democratic Party a rise to its name and history. Because, brothers and sisters, at the end of this race, we do not rejoice in the victory of a new candidate or choice of a new leader, but, all together, we celebrate the values that unite us, the values upon which this great political family is raised. Race, freedom and meritocracy. Which of course we should and will improve even more in the coming months. Once again, thank you from the heart for your extraordinary contribution. And I thank you with gratitude for the prosperity of this process of commissioners, observers and numerators. Your devotion deserves only respect!

My gratitude goes to the other three candidates who made this real, challenging and dynamic competition. For each one I have a message: We have different opinions but same principles, so I am convinced that beyond differences, from today our energy and efforts will go towards the only rival of the Democratic Party, and the overwhelming majority of Albanians, the Rama-Doshi regime. Brothers and sisters, yesterday was not a single day for the Democratic Party, but for all of Albania. It's because through participation in the process a member of a vote, you did not only exercise the right to elect the new chairman, but through the vote you determined the line of our political action.

So and the will you expressed in these difficult days for the country will serve as a guide in our country's service. Because by this clear vote you refused to recognize the April 25th election massacre! By this clear vote you rejected co-operation with the Rama-Doshi regime! With this clear vote you decided that together, all together, we will fight with all our strength for the change that was thwarted on April 25th.

With this clear vote, you decided that we would fight to fulfill what we were created for and live as a party, a democratic Albania. With this clear vote, you showed that you hold within yourself the belief that we can change this country, not by means of evil, not by the blind power of the force of the force made in common with crime and oligarchy, but by the strength of values, by the beliefs of free people who without any power give anything to change the country for the better.

Today, we are all aware that what we have chosen is the right course but also the most difficult way. To brothers and sisters, Democrats and unmovable Democrats in the face of great inequality, I read clearly your will, I listen attentively to your voice, I know your hearts, so I know that today, on this important day of our history, you expect nothing but to tell you what I came to ask for your support in this race: It's time for us to jump into battle again.

Once again for democracy, once again for Albania for Albanians, until the removal of this minority that holds their will hostage. What is before us is certainly no easier than what we have left behind. But, I know that with the force the Albanians gave us on 25 April and the determination you showed through your vote, the hope of democracy and change will not disappear from this country. I know that with most Albanians, we will bring down this regime!

So we will fight every day, for every Albanian, against every injustice, by any means, at every forum, internal and external, we will shoulder any responsibility that in less time restores the country legitimacy and democracy. Together, all together, bring a better future for Albanian children, for Albanians and Albania. Democrats and Democrats, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faith. I welcome this responsibility and am willing to fight with all my might to render it to you and Albania in service! God bless you, God bless Albania. /tvclean