According to him, the results reflect not only the disappointment towards the previous government, but also a visible change in the orientation of the electorate.
He pointed out that the coalition VLEN and VMRO-DPMNE have created a new configuration of power, while DUI, despite the loss of several municipalities, remains an important actor in the Albanian political scene.
According to Rashid, DUI should start a reflection phase to convey new messages and maintain the support of the electorate in a new political reality.
The last elections have highlighted the disappointment accumulated over the years towards the previous government, but also new trends related to the integration process and the stagnation of North Macedonia in the journey towards the European Union – said Rashid.
He pointed out that VMRO-DPMNE, a party with a more nationalist orientation, has used such rhetoric in relation to Bulgaria and the Albanians, which has clearly influenced the mobilization of the Macedonian electorate.
“This has given them great support and their message has resonated more strongly with the Macedonian electorate – said the analyst.
According to Rashid, when a party is in power, there are other mechanisms to influence the electoral process, but despite this, the result has been accepted and represents a new political reality in the country.
Stopping at the municipality of Kîrçova, which after 16 years under the leadership of the Albanian coalition AKI passed into the hands of VMRO-DPMNE, Rashidi described this as a special phenomenon.
“It is a phenomenon that happens after so many years, when a Macedonian representative takes the leadership of a municipality with an Albanian majority. This is part of a larger agreement between VLEN and VMRO-DPMNE to support each other he said.
He added that other opposition parties have not curbed this trend, due to bad governance and some affairs that have come to light.
“The fact that a Macedonian representative leads a municipality with an Albanian majority should not be seen as dramatic, but unfortunately in North Macedonia ethnic issues are still seen in a problematic prism – said Rashidi.
The analyst pointed out that about 10 municipalities will be led by VLEN representatives, while the majority by VMRO-DPMNE, which together are part of the government. According to him, this co-governance is expected to avoid clashes between local and central government.
However, Rashidi warned that a challenging period awaits North Macedonia, due to the economic crisis and lack of development.
“We will see how the promises given will be realized and how much the citizens’ expectations will be fulfilled he said.
Asked about the loss of the Kicova municipality by DUI, Rashidi said that this is presented by VMRO-DPMNE as a failure and the end of an era for DUI, but according to him, the reality is more complex.
“Despite the loss of some municipalities, DUI will continue to function as another coalition and will remain a dominant part of the political scene, because a large part of the votes, especially in the municipal councils, has shown a high level of support – said Rashidi.
