The Democratic Party Assembly has approved in principle, article by article and as a whole, the changes to the party's statute. One of the points that remains unchanged is the so-called "Basha article", according to which the party leader must resign in the event of a defeat in the elections.

The new changes foresee the creation of a special commission that will review and filter candidacies for deputies and mayors, before they go through the primaries process. This means that not all candidates will enter the race directly, but only those who pass this preliminary verification. In the presentation of the changes, it was emphasized that the statute aims to strengthen internal democracy and increase the role of the membership in decision-making.

"The statute guarantees democratic functioning and places power in the hands of the members, not of narrow leadership structures. This is the principle that must be preserved, because the DP is the only force where the will of the member has real weight in decision-making," it was said during the discussions.

The changes also include increasing the representation of the diaspora, which will have up to 15% of the seats in governing bodies and on candidate lists for elections.

Another innovation is the strengthening of the role of women and girls in the party, through increased representation and quotas. According to DP leaders, this makes the party the first political force to further increase the inclusion of women in its structures.

The changes also affect the basic organization of the party, strengthening the connection between local branches and local elected officials, with the aim of a more functional and coordinated structure. Bardhi said that these changes aim to make the party more open, more representative and more connected to the membership at every level.

CHANGES IN THE STATUTE:

1. Strengthening the Albanian Diaspora and its real political representation. 15% of the lists and party bodies must be representatives from the Diaspora.

2. Strengthening the role of women and girls in the Party, increasing their representation from 30% to 40%.

3. Establishing the Candidacy Selection Committee for MPs and Mayors, as an autonomous structure from the party's governing bodies, prior to the implementation of the primaries process.

4. Improving the basic organization of the party (group sections and sub-branches) and strengthening the College of Group Section Chairmen.

5. Strengthening relations between Party Branches and local elected officials (municipal councilors).

6. Recognition of an equal status for all partner organizations of the party, respecting the history of the founding of the DPA.

7. Protection of personal data of Party members.

8. Clarifying the rules for dismissing branch heads, giving them more guarantees of remaining in office.