Democratic Party MP Luan Baçi has opposed any compromise on including closed lists in the electoral system, calling for candidates for parliament to fully face the vote of citizens. For him, the Democratic Party and the opposition must remain firm in the proposal for 100% open lists.
According to him, accepting even a small percentage of closed lists would be a step backward for the DP and would serve to protect deputies who, in his view, do not trust the support of their electorate. “It will be a disgrace for the Democratic Party to accept a list with even a small percentage closed, in order to keep 10-15 deputies who are afraid of the electorate and the vote of citizens,” Baçi said.
He stressed that the main issue is guaranteeing the full opening of the lists, while the model of the proportional system, national or regional, can be discussed between the parties. “Every deputy must clearly articulate that it is for a 100% open list. Then, whether it is national proportional or regional proportional, that can be discussed,” the Democratic deputy declared.
Baçi also praised the role of students in articulating demands for changing the electoral system, noting that civic pressure has helped clarify the position on fully open lists. In this context, he also called on the majority to reflect on citizens’ demands and to speak out clearly in favor of this change.
“The Socialist Party and this prime minister must reflect in order to meet the demands. And one of the demands is changing the electoral system. Let the prime minister come out and say that it is for a 100% open list,” Baçi concluded.